Varsity Line

The Varsity Line once linked Oxford and Cambridge, running west to east through the farmland and market towns of south-east England. It was built in stages during the 19th century by local railways that later joined the London and North Western Railway. Five trunk lines crossed it north to south, giving the route importance beyond the two university cities. The line carried freight in both world wars, but passenger services ended in 1968 except for a short stretch near Bedford. Part of the route reopened in 1987, and a new connection to London began in 2015. The section between Bicester and Bletchley has been rebuilt and is used for freight, with plans to restore the whole line by the late 2030s under the name East West Rail. Today the rebuilt trackbed between Bicester and Bletchley runs through open countryside and small towns. Where stations once stood, new platforms are being prepared for future services. The route follows the alignments of earlier lines, passing sites once used by stagecoaches and river trade, and still crosses the River Great Ouse near Bedford.