Durham Coast Diversions – 14th & 15th March
The weekend of 14th and 15th March saw the closure of the East Coast Main Line through County Durham, resulting in a full programme of diversions along the scenic Durham Coast line via Sunderland and Hartlepool. With the railway hugging the coastline, dramatic viaducts spanning steep-sided denes and the promise of a varied traction mix, it was an opportunity too good for the 1Z10 group to miss.
Trains throughout the weekend included a steady procession of Northern DMUs, LNER Azumas and a selection of freight workings – more than enough to keep cameras busy.
An Early Start
Gavin and CJ opted to get a head start on proceedings. Gavin travelled further north on the Friday to photograph the Alcan tanks working from North Blyth to Fort William, while CJ made his way up later in the day on a Grand Central Class 180 service from London Kings Cross to Hartlepool.
Saturday – Sunshine and the Coast
Saturday dawned in glorious conditions and the rest of the group made an early start to take full advantage. Andrew and Sharon were on site by 09:00, closely followed by Roger and James, while Rob and Nigel arrived a little later after a cancelled connection at Crewe delayed their journey. Duncan travelled independently, joining the group in the Hartlepool area.
We began around Hartlepool and gradually worked our way north along the line, making steady progress as far as Hawthorn Dene Viaduct. Stephen, approaching from further north, worked his way south towards the same point, although the two parties never quite managed to link up.
A Rural Obstruction
By mid-afternoon, signs of disruption began to appear. Both RTT and Traksy indicated delays around Horden, which were soon traced to a rather unexpected cause – a cow on the line.
This proved particularly frustrating, as we had all taken the trouble to climb to an elevated vantage point overlooking Hawthorn Dene Viaduct, where the North Sea provided a stunning backdrop under clear blue skies. Unfortunately, by the time services resumed, cloud had begun to roll in, softening what had been near-perfect conditions
Chasing the Light
With the light becoming more variable, we headed back south toward Hartlepool, where intermittent sunshine was opening up new photographic opportunities not available earlier in the day. Stops in the Blackhall and Crimdon areas yielded a number of worthwhile shots before we continued to Coronation Drive while Roger and James headed home.
Here, we were able to capture views of the now-exposed dual turntables at the former Hartlepool MPD – a fleeting scene following site clearance ahead of redevelopment.
Sunset at Hartlepool
The final location of the day was Old Cemetery Road in Hartlepool, where the railway runs along an embankment offering clear views in both directions. As the sun dipped, the sky began to take on warm tones, providing the perfect setting for a series of sunset shots.
With the light fading, we retired to our hotel at the marina – an excellent location with impressive views – before enjoying a relaxed evening meal and a few drinks in good company.
Sunday – A Promising Start
Sunday began with clear blue skies and a spectacular view across the marina from the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel was passed over in favour of a quick stop at a nearby McDonald’s before heading out for the first trains of the day near the level crossing beyond Hartlepool station.
From there, we moved north to Dawdon, exploring the back streets and terraces – a location well known for its appearance in the film Billy Elliot – and providing an altogether different photographic setting.
Weather Turns
Continuing north beyond Seaham toward Ryhope, the weather took a decisive turn for the worse, with torrential rain forcing an unplanned retreat to another McDonald’s for shelter and coffee.
Once the worst had passed, we pressed on into Sunderland, capturing trains and Metro services crossing the bridge over the River Wear.
Heading Home
By this stage, thoughts began to turn to the journey home. Nigel and Rob departed first, Rob needing to make his connection from Crewe, while the rest of the group gradually dispersed as heavy showers moved through the area. These brought with them dramatic skies and the occasional rainbow, offering a final flourish of photographic opportunities.
Gavin remained in the Hartlepool area with CJ to capture the tunnel segments train before heading home, while CJ stayed on for an additional night, returning south on the Monday.
Final Thoughts
Despite the mixed weather – ranging from glorious sunshine to torrential rain – the weekend proved highly rewarding. The combination of coastal scenery, varied traction and good company made for an enjoyable and productive trip, with plenty of strong images captured along the way.
Nigel Capelle