Close Encounters of the Harborne Walkway Kind

I know of at least two people who swear that they have heard the sound of steam trains and whistles long after the last trains departed from the station. I am certain that these two people did not know each other and these accounts were told to me many years apart.

As a child I remember hearing stories of a ghostly Nightwatchman walking over the bridge on Park Hill Road. He was supposed to carry a glowing lantern and seemed to be inspecting the tracks. This is a classic ghost tale that can be associated with many railway lines and stations around the country (or even around the world). The story obviously originates with a railway man being killed by a train. However, I have not been able to unearth any evidence of fatal accidents along this stretch of line.

I also remember another childhood story of mysterious fires appearing on the walkway. The Fire Brigade (conveniently situated on Rose Road) would investigate only to find no trace of any blaze. This is another story which can be related to lots of other railway lines and would of course originate with an accident where the train had burst into flames (a not uncommon occurrence in the age of steam). Once again, I have not been able to find any evidence of such an accident. If any historians out there could enlighten me I would be most grateful.

A friend of mine used to live just off the Hagley Road in Edgbaston. A regular visitor to the hostelries of Harborne High Street, he would often end the night with a short cut home through the walkway. Scepticism and several pints of lager would always dispel any fears of this dark walk. But one night, while happily munching on a kebab, he became convinced that somebody was following close behind him. Of course, when he turned around, there was nobody there. He also has the distinct feeling that somebody (or something) was trying to say something to him "but couldn't quite get their words out". My friend was thoroughly unnerved by this experience and does not like to talk about it. These days he gets a taxi home.

I always find these types of strange encounters the most interesting because it suggests that ghosts seem to have the ability (or the need?) to communicate with the physical world. Other people have spoke of feeling "another presence" on the walkway and a feeling of being watched.

Two other people I know have had odd experiences in the area. One of them was walking along Gillhurst Road one night and claims to have seen red, blue and white lights floating above the trees. He said they "danced in the air" for several seconds. He didn't think it was a firework, or anything similar.

The other person had a bizarre encounter while walking his dog. A strange creature which he described as a "long black ferrety, weasely type thing" suddenly darted out into the middle of the path. He said the animal remained perfectly still and stared at him for quite a few seconds. It then very slowly moved into the undergrowth, never once taking its eyes off him or the dog. Does anybody know what kind of critter this could be?

If you or anyone you know has had any strange experiences around the walkway area, or if you know of any stories associated with this place, please contact us, we'd love to hear from you!