On Saturday 5 July 2025, the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway officially opened our volunteer-built independent line between Thame Junction and Princes Risborough Platform 4.
Prior to this moment, the railway was operating over the Thame Branch Siding, with access provided by Network Rail each weekend. This new line enables us to have independent access to Princes Risborough.
A VIP Day was held on Friday 27 June, attended by local councillors and guests including representatives from Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, Colas and other organisations that have helped throughout the project. Another special guest was Lady Judy McAlpine, wife of the late Sir Robert McAlpine, who were both long-standing supporters of the railway. Lady Judy has agreed to take on the position of President of the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.
The day included a ceremonial tape breaking by the first train (consisting of passenger stock) ever to traverse the independent line, followed by a return run to Chinnor.
With the opening of the line over the weekend of 5 July and 6 July, all Chinnor Railway services will now run via the Independent Line.
Image Credits: Richard McVeigh