Varsity Line

Image: © Andrew Bodman Taken: 10 Sep 2018

The Varsity Line connected Oxford and Cambridge and train services ran on the section between Bedford and Cambridge until the end of 1967 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varsity_Line . Plans are underway to reopen the line in stages between Oxford and Cambridge, and the route is now known as East West Rail. Some local authorities have taken steps to protect disused rail routes. Hence much of the original alignment between Oxford and Bedford will be/is being reused as it was because it was not built over in the meantime. However, there are several places between Bedford and Cambridge where the old route has been built over, and consequently a completely fresh route is likely to be constructed for this section. This photo shows the newly built Mardler Close in the Trumpington Meadows housing development. This road has been built on the alignment of the old Varsity Line. Further west on this line, you will find the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory which has made use of the very straight trackbed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullard_Radio_Astronomy_Observatory . Towards the centre of Cambridge, the route of the Varsity Line has been taken over by the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridgeshire_Guided_Busway . More details of future plans for East West Rail are available from https://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/central-section-overview/

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