ROSEMILL JUNCTION TO BALBEUCHLEY TOP
Via the original Incline route

(Update May 2015) (New with text in blue)

Both lines from Rosemill are shown here. I have traced in the old line via Balbeuchly to Auchterhouse.

An overall view of the railway lines around Rosemill. Leoch and Fallaws quarries are completely filled in. The formation of the goods sidings can
be seen as a light patch between the two branch lines, on the south side of the line. (From Flash Earth)

Rosemill Signal box and loop, from the west side of the level crossing. The right hand loop went into Fallaw quarry.
(Thompson Press)

  
Left: The railway widened here to allow a siding to head off to the left into the old quarry (David Martin). Close to the 1960's scene, above. 
Right: Remains of the embankment brickwork. (Bill Reid)

    
Left: Looking back towards Rosemill crossing.                                                         Right: Where the Fallows spur branched off (left) at Rosemill Jctn.

 
Site of Rosemill Junction Signal box. You can still see numerous red bricks within the heap. From the B&W photograph below they had used red brick for the main
structure with a lighter, perhaps more yellow brick for the decorative outlining.

  
Left: A well preserved wire tensioning post where the signal box and out building stood                          . Right: Spotted close by the same spot are three cuts
of railway sleeper. This may have been part of the single line token ramp on the signal box side of the track..

This is an interesting corner but may be nothing at all! I was interested in the fact that it shows a gap between the embankment
and the actual track bed and wondered if this had been the junction for Rosemill Goods! I have since learned that this was
indeed the Rosemill Quarry siding. It was merely a single line spur into the site, as most of the goods sidings at Rosemill were.  

 
Left: Another interesting find! Can't quite work out what this post was for. It is well braced with bolts and a capping.
Right: Concrete base  of a signalpost (16th April 2014)

Rosemill Signal box, with the Token exchange platforms on each side of the tracks. The nearest track is the loop
and spur into Fallaws quarry. Dundee to the left. (Norris Forrest) N.B. Comments below on Token platforms.

 
Left: The two wire tensioning posts indicate that the Fallaws spur was gated when not in use. Right: Same spot looking back to the junction and Rosemill signal box

  
 Left: This was possibly the remains of the signal box ramp where the single line tokens, on the opposite side of the signal box was exchanged from.
Right: The west end of Rosemill Junction. This is where the all the sidings came together and ran towards Balbeuchly Junction and westwards to Auchterhouse.

   
Right: Heading away from the junction towards the quarry just as it left the junction.
Right as it curves northwards to cross the Dighty up ahead.

 
On leaving Rosemill the old quarry track bed crossed, first the Lade that went to the Chemical Works then the river Dighty, on stone bridges.

 
Left: Turning north at Rosemill Junction the Fallaws spur heads towards the bridges over the the Dighty stream. The steam bank is erroded by grazing cattle.
Right: Remains of the Lade & Sluice Gates, by the Dighty bridge (East side)

 
Left: Looking west. Remains of the main Dighty bridge.                                                                                   Right: Looking west with the newer divergence line in the background.

Remains of the bridge by the side of the stream.

The Dighty bridge from the east side of the Fallaws branch

 
From the Fallaws spur track bed where it crossed the Dighty. Looking towards Rosemill Jctn. Right: Same spot, looking north to where the
track bed has been back-filled for some yards. A fence runs down the center of the track bed.

  
Left: The Dighty bridge with the Fallaws embankment running northwards to the quarry site.


 Right: From the western side of the fenced track bed. Rosemill Jctn to the right.

From the eastern side. The remains of the Fallaw quarry spur with Rosemill Signal box in the background. This is the spot
as above where today the track bed disappears below back-fill northwards towards the quarry. The track bed seen is now
separated by a fence running down the center. (Elliot Simpson).

Almost the same spot as above on the 19th of April 2013. 0403

The Fallaws embankment (left) only runs for a few yards northwards beyond the bridge. It has been back-filled and ploughed over at the
end of the tree line. 

1960's. Remains of the bridges over the river Dighty and the Lade that ran side by side from Fallaws quarry.

The remains of the channeling for the Lade to run up to the sluice gate then onto the fertilizer works on Craigmill Road.
The Dighty stream proper runs eastwards behind it, to Dundee and beyond.
 (Photos by Elliot Simpson)

The Dighty stream from Craigmill Road, with the Fallows Quarry track bed in the middle distance and the remains of the two
bridge arches, as seen above. The Lade was to the left but has been back filled.

Cropped image of above. The lade ran to the left of the Dighty but you
can see where it would had led up to the sluice, just made out up ahead.

Video: The Fallaws Track bed Remains Today (April 2011)


There is no remains of the Incline junction, indicated on the right. There were various tramways between the two quarries.
Rosemill Goods sidings is the light patch following the south curvature (top) of the railway. Rosemill Quarry was to the
right and is filled in. You can see where the two stone bridges of the Fallaws line and the the Lade crossed the river.
The Incline branch also crossed the Dighty over a small, arched stone bridge. See below.

This bridge was mistakenly thought to be part of the the Balbeuchley incline at Rosemill Junction. However, it was a footpath from
the Rosemill Quarry area that led down to the where the Incline Junction with the new line joined. The Newer diversion to
Aucherhouse via Dronley is in the foreground. This is looking west.

Crossing the Dichty. The bridge carried a footpath from Rosemill Quarry
(Feb. 2010 by David Martin)

The Balbeuchley incline passed through Leoch and Fallaws quarries.  (Elliot Simpson). 1960's.
(The photo has been brightened to open up the shadows)

I am puzzled by the photo above in that the quarries don't appear to be all that deep. yet the backfill, especially of Leoch quarry is really quite high. Taking the level from
the junction I would make a guess and say that at the highest point you must be standing over 20 feet, and more from what had been the quarry ground level.

From the Dighty bridge on the new line the April 2011 view looking northwards is the area seen above in Elliot's photo. Hard
to believe you are looking at the same area of land and relates to my comment above as to just how much back-fill has been
carried out. The Balbeuchley incline was off to the far left. You can just make out the remains of the Fallows spur on the
far right, by the trees.

 
Left: Crossing the Dichty. The bridge carried the branch into Fallaws Quarry sidings. Right: Fallaws quarry spur

ROSEMILL Jctn. TO TEMPLETON ROAD

  
Rosemill Signal box from the trackless remains of the new line, looking eastwards Dundee. On the right of the signal box
and behind the wall  is Rosemill Goods sidings and Rosemill Quarry. Today, this has been back-filled creating a
high embankment. (Both Photos by Elliot Simpson)
 http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=7762615 Photos of track bed, including Rosemill Signalbox.

This fence wire-tensioning post is the only indication where the original line of the D&N ran originally towards the incline, more
recently into the quarry.  (David Martin. Feb. 2010).

This railway fence tensioning post marks the junction onto the
Balbeuchley Incline.

Site of Balbeuchley Junction (trailing junction came in from the left). Looking towards the bridge over the Dighty and to Rosemill
Junction. April 2011.

========================================================

I found this an interesting surprise. It was'nt there the day before (16th April 2014) when I passed here during my Incline walk but around 09.30 the following morning when on my way towards Newtyle there it
was, just a blank triangle of concrete with no explanation of what it was about.

  
It is set between the sites of Rosemill  and Balbeuchley junction sites. (16th April 2014 (Morning)). Right: towards Dundee.3027

Towards Newtyle. Balbeuchley Junction site is just ahead of the under bridge.

  
When returing from my Newtyle walk, around 16.00 on the 16th April 2014 (Eveing) I was surprised to find that someone (group) had been busy earlier in the day and the plaque had the plaque had
four picturesque images and saying, on a mosiac backing, all around it. Still no notice to say what this was all about or by whom. However, I found it an interesting addition to the trail.

  
The south side reads "Rockin' Rollin' Aw the wey fae" and the north side reads "Fields O' green Tae Silvery Tay". Meant to be read all as one verse.

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From the east side of the incline junction. The Balbeuchley Junction stump, coming off the new track bed
 in the immediate foreground. The divergence track bed continues behind, towards Dronley.

 
Left: The only signal post base I came across over the entire route. However there may be others that I have missed. This was the Up control signal on the new line a few yards
north of the Balbeuchley Junction. This protected the branch from up trains. Right: close by I came across this railway sleeper with four nails still attached. This was probably
the widest brace where the junction of two tracks split, at the points.

Viewed from the Incline track bed site to the remains of the Fallaw branch, just beyond the Junction at Rosemill. The infill is quite deep with the river Dighty
on the oppositeside of the mound.

 
The Fallaw track bed quickly disappears completely and is marked by the fencing on the right. Notice how the land increases considerably in height, to the
left, which buries the Balbeuchley Incline track bed from here to just short of Templeton Road. Right: It is a little ironic that it ends at a farm gate across
the track bed.

Standing high above the Balbeuchley Incline track bed the 'new' track bed is seen running across the scene, towards Dronley.

Seen from the Dronley deviation, the Balbeuchley incline follows the line of trees to
Templeton Road. N.B. The Sub Station. (David Martin)

The Balbeuchly Incline midway between Templeton Road and the Leoch Road. (David Martin)

 
Left: It looks as if Leoch Quarry is trying to reform it's self once again!                              Right: The incline follows the tree line, passing the substation to the left. 

 
Left: A couple of lads and their dog relax by the old track bed. This section is isolated between here and Templeton Road but sadly, it too is being slowly filled in and will soon be
just a memory.   Right: Inside the enclosure the back-fill is gaining ground fast.

 
Left: No doubt these trees will quickly disappear once the back-fill is completed and settled. Right: Demonstrating the true depth of the incline.

 
This is the old section that gives a true picture of the depth to which the railway ran. However, on the right you can see that new soil
is quickly destroying this little bit of railway history. April 2010.

 
Left: The cutting is now very shallow and could be leveled any time soon. April 2013il 2014. 3021

Same spot on the 16th April 2014.

Balbeuchley Incline 1960's. Looking south. The same spot as seen in the 2010 photos above and which is being back-filled.
(Elliot Simpson)

 
Looking towards where the railway went below Templeton Road. The cutting is already leveled.        Right: 19th April 2013. The cutting is almost leveled.

    TEMPLETON ROAD TO LEOCH ROAD

 
Left: South side of Templeton Road. Substation on the left.                                                          Right: The North side of Templeton Road, where the railway ran below.

Left: Looking back towards Templeton Road and the substation.

 
Left: The track bed northwards from Templeton Road.                                                                    Right: On the right part of the railway dry stone wall is still showing

       
The embankment is blocked by a fallen tree.

The incline is well defined at this point. David Martin). The fallen trees once again.

 
Left: The fallen tree looking northwards. (16th April 2014).                                                 Right: Looking back on the fallen trees.

 
The gap, looking southwards (16th April 2014)

 
Left: Another fallen tree bars the way, making it difficult to get by.                             Right: From the same spot, looking down the incline. (Both 16th April 2014).

  
16th April 2014

Just south of Leoch Road by Leoch farm. The steepness of the incline down to Balbeuchley Bottom is really noticeable. (16th April 2014).

  ===================================================================

B&W PHOTOS AROUND THE SAME AREA IN 1966 By Elliot Simpson

 
Approaching Balbeuchley Top, where the engine house was located.
This is the same spot as the fallen  trees above (right) 

 
The spot with the gap between the embankments.

         ======================================================================

 
Both photos looking north. Right: The track bed has been cut off by a local farmer to make a direct entrance to his grounds.

I have since considered that this gap was in fact a bridge allowing Leoch Farm access to each side of the embankment.
This photo taken on the 19th of April 2013 shows the stone re-enforcement for the bridge parapets.

Ditto

 
The sun suddenly went behind a cloud and this wooded are became very shaded. Both photos are looking south. On the left you can see the gap in the embankment.

    
Left: The divide between the embankment.                                                                                  Right: Back onto the embankment and going northwards. Note the shelter on the right.

The  Incline by Leoch Farm. Looking north. (Both photos by Elliot Simpson) 1960's. N.B. A more modern Shelter 
stands approximately at the same spot as above right.

 
Left: Looking back down the incline. You can just make out the gap in the embankment.                 Right: Northwards and the track bed is blocked by bails of cattle food.

 
Left: From the Leoch Road. The bails standing in the way.                                                      Right: The once road crossing. Looking towards Balbeuchley Top

LEOCH ROAD TO BALBEUCHLEY TOP
April 14th 2010 (Updated April 2014)
 
 
Left: The plastic Hay bags have been removed. (25th April 2014)                                                             Right: Where the track bed went below Leoch Road. Looking westwards.

   
Left: Looking towards Balbeuchley Top from the site of the Ex road over bridge on Leoch Road.To get back onto the track bed take the path on the right,which takes
you through private property. (25th April 2014).  Right: The farm path through the plantation taking you back onto the track bed. You shoud request permission to go through their Christmas
Tree plantation.

 
The view from the Leoch Road towards Balbeuchley Top

 
Left: From the Leoch Road looking towards Balbeuchley Top (David Martin).                      Right Just inside the Leoch Road crossing. Looking south.

 
                Partly back-filled and overgrown track bed on the north side of Leoch Road.                           

  Right: The rising gradient is noticeable on the marshy track bed northwards.  (Both16th April 2014). 

  
Left: The path where you get back onto the incline track bed through Leoch Farm.                                                Right: The incline, looking northwards.  (Both16th April 2014).

Ditto.  (16th April 2014).          

 
Right: Back on the incline towards Balbeuchley Top.

 Looking southwards with Leoch Road hidden in the background.

 
Just to the north of Leoch Road. The cutting just before it becomes an embankment up to
the summit. (16th April 2014).

 
Left: Towards Leoch Road.                                                                                                       Right: The embankment rising towards summit. (16th April 2014).

Felled tree half way up the incline. (16th April 2014)

  
Left: Down the incline to Leoch Road.                                                                                     Right: Looking up the incline to Balbeuchley Top. (Both16th April 2014)

  
Left: View on the west side of the incline. (14th May 2010).                                                                                   Right: The reservoir on the east side of the incline. (16th April 2014).

Approaching the summit (16th April 2014).

Balbeuchley Top from Flash Earth. The area showing where the engine house stood is well defined. The track turned at right angle and headed westwards
towards Auchterhouse.

   
Head-on view of the Engine House site at Balbeuchley Top, with  the track bed taking a right-angle turn towards Pitpointie Farm.
The engine house stood just behind the tall trees, while the water pool & tank stood to the left. The ruin to the right was the
engineman's house. A Coal Store stood behind that and in front of the engine house. This is the spot where wagons would have
been attached and detached from the wire rope. This would have been a busy spot at times with a loco getting watered and coaled
 and wagons and a passenger coach awaiting to depart for Auchterhouse or lowered to Balbeuchly bottom. (19th. April 2013).

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BALBEUCHLEY TOP TO AUCHTERHOUSE (Old Station)    Back To D&N Index

Links & Readings

The Dundee & Newtyle Railway by Niall Ferguson.  Still available from some books shops and on the Internet.

The Dundee & Newtyle (A history by Elliot Simpson)

http://www.auchterhouse.com/history/railway.htm  (Includes and excellent map of the railway)

http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=7762615   Excellent 'remains' photos including the Law Tunnel, Balbeuchley Incline and Dronley

http://www.hows.org.uk/personal/rail/incline/dund.htm Explains the inclines but sketches are very poor quality and almost useless.

Video Screen grabs from the The Railways Of Scotland Volume 8 "Dundee". An excellent video available on DVD, from Cinerail at: http://www.cinerail.com/cinerail/railways-of-scotland.html
 There are many great archive scenes of almost every
Scottish route you can think of. Well worth a look.

The Cromford & High Peak Incline railway in Derbyshire has been luckier in having much of it's buildings, including an Engine House preserved. This is what could have happened, indeed,
should have happened with at least one of the D&N inclines. However, the C&H gives an excellent comparison of what the D&N would have looked like. 

http://www.hows.org.uk/personal/rail/incline/hop.htm

Boddam To Ellon Branch (Walks)   By Bill Reid.

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