History
The line was opened for goods in January 1865, and for passengers in July 1867. There were two intermediate stations, one at Langston (spelt without a final 'e') and the other at North Hayling. The line itself was mainly used during the summer months as people from the South Coast would travel down to the beach on Hayling Island. The coaches would often be very full during these months, but would often be virtually empty during the winter. Because of the weight restriction on the bridge it was worked, from late Victorian times to closure in 1963, by small LB&SCR A1/A1X Class locomotives.
Closure
Over the winter of 1962 the decision was taken to close the branch, as the timber swing bridge which crossed Langstone Harbour needed to be replaced and the necessary cost was considered too high. The final public service train ran on the evening of 2 November 1963.
The line today
Today, the area where the tracks once stood on the Havant side of the line is a Local Nature Reserve and footpath. People can walk from Havant station all the way to where the bridge and the level crossing was located, by Langston station, serving the village of Langstone. They can then cross the road bridge and join the Hayling Island side of the line. This section of the line passes down the west side of the island, passing through where North Hayling station used to stand, and terminates at West Town in the south of the island. This section is now a combined footpath, bridleway and cycleway and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
The cache
I have chosen to place a micro as the Hayling Billy Trail is a popular location, meaning anything larger will probably not last long. Please re-hide the container well!
At the published co-ordinates you will find an information board. Obtain the following information:
- On the right-hand side of the information board is a picture of a locomotive with a 5-digit number on the front. The number is = ABCDE
- Just above the locomotive picture is another showing a group of women in military uniform. What time was the curfew on their leave? = Fpm
You can find the cache at N 50° 4D.FF(D-A) W 000° 5(C+A).(C-B)(E-C+B)(A+B). The checksum for all 15 digits of the final co-ordinates is 65. Alternatively here is a geochecker with additional information. You are looking for a plastic micro about the same size as a 35mm canister.