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
At the published co-ordinates you will find a bench with a memorial plaque. Obtain the following information:
- A = number of letters in the last word of the penultimate line
- B = number of letters in the last word of the final line
- Peter lived from 194C-20D1
Now move to stage 2 at N 50° 49.822 W 000° 58.948. Here you should find an information board about Langstone Harbour History and Archaeology. NB this is NOT the wooden, angled notice board very close to the first bench. Obtain the following information:
- The Russell family established their successful business in 1E20
- Farlington Marsh sea wall was built to create grazing land c.17F1
- The Portsmouth and Arundel Canal closed in 18G8
- The Harbour Office telephone number ends with H419
The cache is a short walk away at N 50° 4A.BCD W 000° 5E.FGH. The checksum for all 15 digits of the final co-ordinates is 59. Alternatively here is a geochecker with additional information. You are looking for a micro about the same size as a 35mm canister.