Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway Explained

Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway
Type:	Funicular
Status:	in use
Locale:	Southbourne, United Kingdom
Operator:	Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Tracks:	Double track
Map State:	collapsed
Maxincline:	67.11%

The Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway, or Southbourne Cliff Railway, is the worlds shortest public funicular railway^[1] located in Southbourne (a seaside suburb of the English seaside resort of Bournemouth). The line serves to link the seaside promenade and beach, with the cliff top and the town behind.^[2]

Overview

The line is owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, and it has the following technical parameters:^{[2] [3]}

Technical parameters

• Length:
• Gradient: 1:1.49 (67.11%)
• Cars: 2
• Capacity: 12 passengers per car
• Configuration: Double track
• Gauge:
• Traction: Electricity

History

Opened in 1935 by Bournemouth Corporation, Fisherman's Walk Cliff Railway is the most recent of the town's three lines. Traction was originally provided by a electric motor, although this was replaced in the 1960s.^[2] The passenger cabs were replaced with newer versions in April 2012.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 27 November 2024 . Shortest funicular .
2. Web site: Bournemouth's Cliff Railways . The Heritage Trail . 2009-05-15.
3. Web site: South Cliff, Bournemouth . Funiculars.net . 2009-05-15.
4. News: New cabs at Southbourne's Fisherman's Walk cliff lift . 2012-04-04 . 2016-05-21.