IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Old Station Road, HOLYWOOD, BT18 0BX

An NIR 80-class set heads through the closed Craigavad station with the 16.50 passenger service from Bangor to Belfast (Central). Although closed some 10 years earlier, Craigavad's small signal cabin still stood in 1986. It was later demolished.

During a day of single-line working in connection with track renewal, a UTA built MED set hurries "wrong-line" through Craigavad station with a Bangor - Belfast (Queen's Quay) passenger service.

While the station closed in 1961, the small signal cabin remained open to control a cross-over, which was generally used during periods of single-line working. The cross-over was moved in 1976, when the cabin finally closed and was later demolished. In addition to the cabin, note the Sykes banner signal (between the cabin and the MED set), introduced by the BCDR between Holywood and Bangor in 1926. A UTA built MED set heads for Bangor with a service from Belfast (Queen's Quay).

Cut bench mark on the railway bridge at Station Road, Craigavad Image It lies almost hidden by deep foliage on the right hand side as you head downhill. The mark is 42.35 metres above MSL. See also http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=11037856 for many other examples I have found.

Railway bridge above Station Road at Craigavad. The bridge carries Bangor-Belfast line. A point to note: the bridge carries a sign stating that this is a "Private Road". This is nonsense; the road is a public right of way and, although technically a very long cul-de-sac, offers access to the shoreline and North Down Coastal Path. It is, however, a rather exclusive area and the wealthy residents would probably like to deter as many people away as possible (interestingly, they managed to scare Google - 'Street View' for this road ends at the bridge). There is also a bench mark on the bridge - see Image

Craigavad was opened by the BHBR in 1865, but closed by the UTA in 1957. It briefly reopened 1960-61, and was thereafter used for occasional special services to a nearby Guide camp. Currently closed to all traffic, the station building is in private ownership. One of NIR's 80-class sets approaches the station with the 09.20 passenger train from Portrush to Bangor.

See Image (June 2010). The same bridge – Bangor to the right. The car gives an idea of the clearance for road vehicles. This letter box Image is in the background.

Post-mounted EIIR letter box (BT18 178) on the Station Road, at the entrance to Royal Belfast Golf Club.

Now being advertised as “Two charming cottages with significant restoration”.

The cottages, mainly hidden behind a high hedge.