The routes of several closed lines can still be easily followed with bridges and stations still extant in numerous locations. Lines worthy of exploration include; -
The Border Counties Railway linked the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, near Hexham, with the Border Union Railway at Riccarton Junction in the Scottish Borders. The line includes beautiful skewed arch viaducts at Chollerton and Keilder. Most of the line and its associated buildings can be easily identified, apart from the section now under Kielder Reservoir. Chollerton Station is still in existence as are most of the station buildings and sheds. The two houses adjacent to the station are also railway built houses. All are now under private ownership
The Wansbeck branch line from Reedsmouth Junction to Morpeth and its associated branch from Scots Gap to Rothbury.
The Allendale Railway which branched off the main line adjacent to the Border Counties junction just west of Hexham and ran up to Catton just north of Allendale town.
The Alston Branch and the associated Lord Carlisle colliery lines between Lambley and Brampton, including the impressive Lambley Viaduct. This railway is now a public footpath.
The Brampton Branch. A short line which ran from Brampton’s current station down into the town.
The colliery systems on the high moors between Consett and Weardale including several inclines.
The Wylam, Scotswood and Newcastle railway along the north bank of the River Tyne.
Narrow gauge lines and tramways serving collieries, quarries and mineral mines have left marks on the landscape over most of the area, some in the most remote corners of the county.