Dana Wiffen pays a visit to the Lavender Line which runs for a 2 mile round trip through the beautiful Sussex Countryside between the village of Isfield and the Parish of Little Horsted

Billed as their 20th Anniversary and Transport Gala, this was the first time I had visited the line for well over a year.

Set in the beautiful East Sussex countryside at a place called Isfield not far from Uckfield this is probably one of the lesser known preserved lines, possible because they have no destination station.

The track is just over 1 mile and trains run to the end and back.

Photo: Dana Wiffen

Nevertheless the character at the Isfield station end is superb and for this special anniversary weekend they pulled out all the stops by acquiring a replica of 'Stephenson's Rocket'.

Photo: Dana Wiffen

There were steam tractors, vintage cars and old railway lorries as well as another platform ride on a diesel train with brake carriages.

Photo: Dana Wiffen

It looked superb but their prices were a bit high to say the least.

Photo: Dana Wiffen

But knowing the problems this line has had in the last few years I got a loan and paid, hoping the money they made will get them back on track.

This is a line with great potential and in a wonderful location.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©