The line opened in 1864 and was then operated by the Great Western Railway from 1870. A branch from Tenbury connected to the GWR/LNWR Joint Hereford to Shrewsbury main line at Wooferton, the east to south curve at the junction providing a through route to Leominster. To the east, the branch joined the Severn Valley Railway on a west to south curve, just north of Bewdley. There were 5 passenger trains a day each way between Tenbury and Bewdley, a pattern that continued until 1960. The passenger service finished completely in 1962 and the line was closed to goods two years later.
Little remains of the Tenbury branch today. The crossing of
the River Severn was by Dowles bridge and the masonry foundations are still in
place and just visible through the trees from trains on the SVR. Various bridge
supports and retaining walls are still in situ along the former course of the
line, which crosses quiet lanes and some very attractive countryside. The
section through Wyre Forest has been surfaced for use by walkers and cyclists
as part of their family mountain bike circuit but that relatively short stretch
is the only advertised passable section. Given that so many old railway routes
have now been adapted as cross-country trails, this certainly feels like a good
opportunity lost, so far.
The photos include the bridge remains at Neen Sollars, where there was also an intermediate village station. The pub here, the Live and Let Live, is recommended. It provides a warm welcome and better than average pub grub in substantial portions and at a reasonable price. The Wyre Forest cycle trail incorporating former track bed begins at the visitor centre, where there is also a café.
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