Merlin '60027' Photographs
Closed lines: Corstorphine Branch
14th February 2006

This short branch line, opened in 1901, connected to the Edinburgh & Glasgow mainline just to the west of Haymarket station, and had three stations.

Balgreen, the first station, was immediately after leaving the main lines, had timber platforms, and opened after the rest of the branch in 1934. The second was Pinkhill, next to the zoo, and the terminus was Corstortphine itself. The line was double track throughout.

DMUs took over from steam traction in July 1957, with the passenger service finishing on New Year's Day 1968, and the line closed entirely a month later.

In latter days, trains operated from Corstorphine, through Waverley, direct to North Berwick or Rosewell.

It is now in use as a footpath, but is largely intact, with Pinkhill station being in particularly good condition.

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The Corstorphine branch diverged from northwards from the main lines here, at Balgreen Road. This is Haymarket West Junction joining the Fife lines to the E&G and the Sub, and is between Haymarket station (to the east) and Edinburgh Park station (to the west).
The Corstorphine branch diverged from northwards from the main lines here, at Balgreen Road. This is Haymarket West Junction joining the Fife lines to the E&G and the Sub, and is between Haymarket station (to the east) and Edinburgh Park station (to the west).
2006-02-14 17:09:37
Looking westwards, the footpath can be seen curving northwards along the trackbed of the Corstorphine branch at Balgreen. The curved wooden platforms for the Halt began immediately.
Looking westwards, the footpath can be seen curving northwards along the trackbed of the Corstorphine branch at Balgreen. The curved wooden platforms for the Halt began immediately.
2006-02-14 17:13:17
The site of Balgreen Halt can only be made out from the widening of the formation, as nothing now survives of the station. Seen looking back eastwards towards the junction.
The site of Balgreen Halt can only be made out from the widening of the formation, as nothing now survives of the station. Seen looking back eastwards towards the junction.
2006-02-14 17:15:36
The first underbridge crossing Glendevon Park, which gives access to Carrick Knowe golf course.
The first underbridge crossing Glendevon Park, which gives access to Carrick Knowe golf course.
2006-02-14 17:17:58
The bridge over Glendevon Park, seen from the trackbed looking westwards.
The bridge over Glendevon Park, seen from the trackbed looking westwards.
2006-02-14 17:19:54
A new surfaced and lit pathway has been created from the second underbridge.
A new surfaced and lit pathway has been created from the second underbridge.
2006-02-14 17:26:07
Immediately after is an impressive low, curved two-span viaduct.
Immediately after is an impressive low, curved two-span viaduct.
2006-02-14 17:26:41
The viaduct seen from the trackbed looking westwards towards Pinkhill station.
The viaduct seen from the trackbed looking westwards towards Pinkhill station.
2006-02-14 17:27:53
Pinkhill station has survived in excellent condition with both platforms and the station building remaining. Vegetation has been cleared and the path on the trackbed and the Up platform have been resurfaced, and street lighting installed. Seen from the trackbed looking westwards.
Pinkhill station has survived in excellent condition with both platforms and the station building remaining. Vegetation has been cleared and the path on the trackbed and the Up platform have been resurfaced, and street lighting installed. Seen from the trackbed looking westwards.
2006-02-14 17:28:48
The resurfaced Up platform at Pinkhill and the station building on the overbridge.
The resurfaced Up platform at Pinkhill and the station building on the overbridge.
2006-02-14 17:29:39
The wooden single-storey station building at Pinkhill from the road.
The wooden single-storey station building at Pinkhill from the road.
2006-02-14 17:32:45
Looking westwards from the Pinkhill station overbridge. Just round the corner the footpath finishes, with housing obliterating the last few hundred yards of the trackbed.
Looking westwards from the Pinkhill station overbridge. Just round the corner the footpath finishes, with housing obliterating the last few hundred yards of the trackbed.
2006-02-14 17:33:27
A surviving signpost made from rail at Pinkhill station.
A surviving signpost made from rail at Pinkhill station.
2006-02-14 17:35:18
A 170 Turbostar streaks past the allotments on the E&G, seen from near Balgreen Halt on the Corstorphine branch.
A 170 Turbostar streaks past the allotments on the E&G, seen from near Balgreen Halt on the Corstorphine branch.
2006-02-14 17:51:59