Wedgwood & Barleston, Staffordshire

Whilst researching the notes for this section I learnt that both stations have technically been closed since 2004, after the main line was rebuilt. Both still provide a passenger service, courtesy of a replacement bus! Whether they will reopen is not known, but there is a possibility with a new franchisee. My visit to these locations coincided with a week-long canal holiday, taking a narrow boat from Stone to Leek, and back. We passed through some delightful countryside, in wonderful summer weather, and the railway never seemed that far away. It remains a week very clear in my memory.