The Abandoned Folkestone Harbour Branch Line, Kent

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 The branch line is now officially closed, and has been since 2014. Passenger trains stopped running on this line in 2001 and then to freight and steam trains in 2009. Up until now, the line is starting to be dismantled as Network Rail concluded it is not going to be worth spending millions to get the line up and running again. The old branch line from the South Eastern Main Line at Folkestone Junction served the port of Folkestone and provided a rail connection for boat trains from London which connected with the ferry services to Calais and Boulogne in France.


 At the start of the video, we see the remains of Warren Road Level Crossing, originally an MCB-CCTV level crossing type. Originally, before wigwags came along, this crossing was an MWG type crossing (Manually Worked Gates) with white swing gates and a red circle in the middle. Luckily, Google Maps still have images of the crossing in 2009 when it had NRS Halogen Bulb Wigwags, very old GWE Barriers with Halogen Barrier Boom Lights and intermittent bells. These were taken out between 2012 and 2014, with a fence put in place. All that remains now are red Trespass notices and beware of the live rail, despite the railway being abandoned with no trains for 5 years

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Following the line south along the A260, we eventually pass a foot crossing. Pedestrians can still cross here but either side of the pathway are the same fences seen at the Warren Road crossing. The road slowly goes downwards and the railway crosses the harbour. A very unique railway swing bridge is placed right beside the old Folkestone Harbour Station and Level Crossing. It looks to be in the process of being restored as its a grade 2 listed building. Some of the photos here do not belong to me (i.e. ones from Google Maps). These images can be found on the Google Maps street view on Warren Road in Folkestone in May 2009. The remains of the Folkestone Harbour Station and Level Crossing can be seen in a different video taken at night to make it more ere, abandoned and old!
were just cutting the video for the station update 

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This is a video showing a drive down the abandoned (or more appropriately called "to be dismantled") Folkestone Harbour Branch line from the former Warren Road MCB-CCTV Level Crossing to the end of the branch line at Folkestone Harbour Railway Station. It was recorded in April 2017.

Laguna Beach hotel & Spa Camp des Pêcheurs, Grand River South East, MAURITIUS

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Grand-Port mountain range, the Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa is a gem in its kind; a postcard beauty with a real soul: Tropical architecture, pristine beach and the transparency of an exquisite lagoon.

The Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa is located in Grand River South East, along the South East coast of the island and 30 mins drive from the airport.

To discover Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa, you will have to drive through Camp des Pêcheurs (Fisherman's Cove). This tiny village unveils a different fmauritius in the Indian Ocean is know for its sparkling crystal and turquoise waters

. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island a location for an unforgettable holiday. Mauritius offers the opportunity to unparalleled luxury, a level of refinement that is ahead of many other other tropical holiday destinations. Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice Van Nassau.

Mauritius' white beaches are protected by a coral reef barrier that encircles almost all of the coastline, with the exception of the southern end, where it falls away and where wilder waters and dramatic cliffs can be observed. From the northern plains, the land rises to a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few uninhabited islets area are scattered around the main island.

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, was founded by the French governor and colonist Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735. Situated on the north-west coast, Port Louis is the business and administrative capital of Mauritius. Packed with office-workers during the day, it quickly quietens down after office-hours allowing visitors to enjoy a night out along the famous Caudan Waterfront.

The south reveals a dramatically different landscape from the rest of the island: one typified by high cliffs in places that are battered by waves. These are created where the protective barrier of coral reef that surrounds Mauritius falls away on the seabed, so leaving the coastline exposed to a punishing Indian Ocean. But the south is not singularly about cliffs and rough waters. Further round the coastline, heading westwards, are an array of beautiful beaches and top-rate hotels and resorts, in up-and-coming areas such as Bel Ombre.

The eastern coastline of Mauritius is comprised of exquisite coves and emerald lagoons, permanently enhanced by a cool sea breeze: life goes by at a slow pace in the east whether you're a member of the fishing community or a holidaymaker. Situated between the mountains and the sea, the east is characterised by charming little villages with poetic names like Petite Julie, Mare d'Australia and Queen Victoria. It also plays home to some of the country's best beaches, including Belle Mare, where you will want to spend hours basking in the sun, glorying in the sight of the long stretch of white sand.

To the west and south west of Mauritius off Tamarin Bay or Flic en Flac, heading in the direction of Île aux Benitiers, you can see the dolphins that come to these waters to rest and breed. The Morne Mountain, with its historical links to slavery, can also be found in this region --as well as some fine hotels known for their wide choice of watersports. Slightly inland, in the hills around Chamarel, is the rum distillery that bears the name of the village. Here, you can learn about rum production and taste some of the delightful produce.

Inland & Central Plateau of Mauritius is the 'highlands' where you will discover the island's four other major towns.  In Quatre Bornes, head for the local market if you want to do some bargain-hunting. In Curepipe, where it is generally cooler than elsewhere on the island, try visiting the botanical gardens. In the early evening the gardens of the Plaza -- the municipal theatre of the town of Rose Hill -- fill up with families who come to relax and enjoy an ice--cream. This is a heart-warming sight definitely worth beholding. Vacoas, meanwhile, is most renowned for its Gymkhana Golf Club the oldest in the southern hemisphere.

This is our holiday in 2016 with Emiratesacet of Mauritius - unspoiled and authentic.



Highly recommend the free boat trip to Île aux Cerfs

Let your mind soar, unleashed, set it free and enjoy the bliss...

Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa Mauritius Grand River South East

Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa Mauritius Grand River South East

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Grand-Port mountain range, the Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa is a gem in its kind; a postcard beauty with a real soul: Tropical architecture, pristine beach and the transparency of an exquisite lagoon.

The Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa is located in Grand River South East, along the South East coast of the island and 30 mins drive from the airport.

To discover Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa, you will have to drive through Camp des Pêcheurs (Fisherman's Cove). This tiny village unveils a different facet of Mauritius - unspoiled and authentic.

Let your mind soar, unleashed, set it free and enjoy the bliss...

The hotel features 64 rooms split into 32 Standard rooms of 25 m², 26 Deluxe rooms of 35 m² and 6 Family rooms of 50 m².

The rooms are equipped with individual air-conditioning units, direct dial telephone, electronic safe, minibar, hair dryer, TV with local and satellite channels, and tea/coffee-making facilities.

All rooms are sea-facing, with a balcony or terrace.

• Big swimming pool & californian pool for kids • Laundry service • Gym • Mini-club • Boutique open everyday • Car and bicycle rental desk • La Sardinella Meeting Room (Capacity: 30 persons) • Changing room for early arrivals & late departures • Luggage room • Internet corner with ADSL connection (Free of Charge) • Free WIFI connection at lobby, restaurant & bar Free Sports, Recreation & Entertainment: Boathouse - Pedalos - Kayaks - Glass bottom boat - Windsurfing - Snorkeling - Beach Volley - Pool table - Table tennis - Indoor games. Night musical entertainment - Sega shows on Saturdays & cultural shows on Wednesdays. SeaZen' Spa Retreat: 2 massage rooms, one relaxation room, exotic beach massage under gazebos. Massages (Mauritian, Swedish, Traditional Indian, Shiatsu and Ayurvedic). Body Treatments (Body scrub, mud bath, honey bath). Beauty Treatments & Hammam. Restaurants & bars • Parasailing • Water skiing • Tube & Banana rides • Boat trips to GRSE Waterfalls & to islets (Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile au Phare, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Deux Cocos), Blue Bay Marine Park • Sunset cruise on Catamaran or Pirate sailing Boat • Under sea walk • Scuba diving • Deep sea fishing • Bicycles • Fishing expeditions on a pirogue (traditional boat) accompagnied by local fishermen. Other nearby activities: 18-hole professional golf course at Anahita - Vallée de Ferney - Kestrel Valley - Domaine de l'Etoile - Domaine Ylang Ylang.