The archival of GC211WQ made this late addition to the series possible! (This cache was also why CC10 is a multi, fyi).
The Dyke train also sometimes had unexpected delays, detailed below!
The railway's busiest periods were summer and bank holidays. On some occasions a heavy passenger load caused the train to slow down on the ascent, sometimes to a crawl. Passengers were known to hop off and pick blackberries, whilst still being able to catch back up with the train.
Another time the service was packed, as there was an event at the Dyke. The train was going so slowly that a large group of people decided to get off and walk to the Dyke, along the track. Once they had alighted the lighter load allowed the train to gain so much speed that the group were unable to catch it up!
One morning the train encountered a horse on the line. This horse was unaffected by the train's whistles, as well as the fireman's shouts and arm waving. The horse started to stride towards the fireman, which caused him to return quickly! The horse decided to walk down the line and so the train followed, at a distance.
More general delays were caused by having to put out lineside fires, having to shovel snow off the track and the wheels having trouble gaining traction on the rails on wet days.
The image below shows how easy it could be to get off, pick blackberries and return to the train!
This one is just what I would have done, if I was that girl!
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Doing the series by bus:
The bus is recommended (ironic), as this isn't a circular series.
To start at CC1 get a 5 or 5A, get off in Old Shoreham Rd at the Aldrington Road stop and walk down to the station. To start at CC7 get a 5B and get off at the junction of Poplar Avenue/Hangleton Way. The Dyke bus is the 77 (catch at the hotel), which is sometimes open-top, but at certain times of the year-autumn/winter this service only runs at the weekend.
Cars:
There are various car parks and roads along the route, especially at CC7. You may want to do sections and then go back to your car, drive to another car park and do the next section.