Hertford Loop Line

The Hertford Loop is a branch of the East Coast Main Line.

First Capital Connect operate suburban services along the East Coast Main Line south of Peterborough. Trains run along the Herford Loop between Kings Cross or Moorgate and Letchworth, Stevenage or Hertford North. Occasionally, GNER trains operate non-stop along the route when diverted off the main section of the ECML due to engineering work. There is a siding to the north of Bowes Park which is occasionally used to turn around GNER trains heading for the Bounds Green Depot. There are also terminus platforms at Hertford North and Gordon Hill, the latter acting as a terminus during peak hours only.

The loop is about 24 miles long and was opened in three stages between 1871 and 1924. Flying junctions connect each end of the northbound track with the main line. The route is electrified using the 25 kV, 50 Hz a.c., Overhead Line system.

Route and Settlements served

Heading south, the Hertford Loop begins just south of Stevenage. It serves:

Hertfordshire

• Watton-at-Stone railway station - village of Watton-at-Stone

• Hertford North railway station - town of Hertford

• Bayford railway station - villages of Bayford and Brickendon

• Cuffley railway station - villages of Cuffley, Northaw and Goffs Oak

Greater London

• Bowes Park - Bowes Park and Wood Green

• Crews Hill

• Gordon Hill - northern area of Enfield

• Enfield Chase - Enfield Town

• Grange Park

• Winchmore Hill - Winchmore Hill

• Palmers Green - Palmers Green

It rejoins the main line north of Alexandra Palace railway station - which serves Wood Green and Alexandra Palace

References

Hornby, Frank (1995) London Commuter Lines. Volume 1: Main lines north of the Thames. Kettering: Silver Link Publishing Ltd.