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Lower Icknield Way, PRINCES RISBOROUGH, HP27 9QE

The Phoenix Trail follows a section of the route of the former Princes Risborough to Oxford railway line, between Princes Risborough and Thame, and was constructed by, and is currently managed, by Sustrans. After the closure of the through route between Princes Risborough and Oxford in 1967, this section from the junction with the Watlington branch line to Thame remained open until 1991 to serve the oil depot at Thame. After closure of this section the track was lifted later in the 1990s. This is a permissive footpath with the kind permission of the landowner, presumably the Strategic Rail Authority, arranged by Sustrans. It is not a public right of way, and is open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders only. All forms of motorized transport are banned.

The Lower Icknield Way was originally a pre-Roman droving track and is seen here from the former railway bridge carrying the now dismantled Princes Risborough to Oxford railway line. The Chiltern Hills are to the left.

This photo, with the track bordered by Rose Bay Willow Herb, is taken close to an access point and parking area on the B4009.

This is a parking area off the B4009, with the former railway from Thame on the left, a byway continuing to Horsenden. In early August the bank was covered in thistles and their down was blowing around the car park.

These are on the south-facing hedge of the Phoenix Trail from Thame to Princes Risborough. In the spring there was a profusion of blossom on hawthorn hedges; at the end of August this has become a profusion of berries.

Looking from a train on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway.

The Lower Icknield Way was originally a pre-Roman droving track and is seen here from the former railway bridge carrying the now dismantled Princes Risborough to Oxford railway line. The footpath indicated by the green sign parallels the former railway line for some way while the trackbed itself is now the Image

This is the back of the train seen in Image The guard is making his way back to the train after having closed the Horsenden Lane crossing gates, from which the photograph was taken. The diesel engine on the back of the train was providing braking assistance to the steam engine at the front. The diesel is a visiting preserved Class 37 type 37219 which has very recently been named Shirley Ann Smith in honour of a lady enthusiast who died recently. The Chiltern Hills are visible to the left.

Sheep grazing beside Little Horsenden Farm.