Wherry Lines

The Wherry Lines are the railway lines from Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. These lines pass through the Norfolk Broads and the Suffolk Broads.

The line was first opened from Norwich to Great Yarmouth by the Norwich and Yarmouth Railway in 1844, running via Reedham. The link from Reedham to Lowestoft was added in 1847 by Samuel Morton Peto. Finally, the northern route from Norwich to Great Yarmouth was added in 1882 by the Great Eastern Railway.

The towns and villages served by the three routes are listed below.

Norwich-Great Yarmouth via Acle

• Norwich
• Brundall Gardens
• Brundall
  • Route to Reedham and Lowestoft diverges
• Lingwood
• Acle
• Great Yarmouth

Norwich-Lowestoft

• Norwich
• Brundall Gardens
• Brundall
  • Route to Acle and Great Yarmouth diverges
• Buckenham
• Cantley
• Reedham
  • Route to Berney Arms and Great Yarmouth diverges
• Haddiscoe
• Somerleyton
• Oulton Broad
• Lowestoft

Norwich-Great Yarmouth via Reedham

• Follows Lowestoft line as far as Reedham, then diverges to:
• Berney Arms
• Great Yarmouth

Passenger services are provided by 'One' Railway, using of Class 150, Class 153, Class 156 or Class 170 diesel multiple units, as the routes are not electrified. Most services originate from Norwich, but some services operate through from London Liverpool Street via Norwich. These through services are are either formed of Turbostars or else are Class 90 electric locomotives with hauled coaching stock, which are dragged from Norwich by a Class 47 diesel locomotive.

The name of the line is taken from the Norfolk wherries, which played an important role in the transport of goods and people around the broads before road and rail transport became widespread.

Externals Links

• The Wherry Lines.