On December 2nd 2021, LMS Princess Coronation Class 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' heads 1Z46, the 06.55 "Worcester Christmas Fayre" excursion from Norwich to Worcester near Three Horse Shoes, between March and Peterborough. The excursion was diesel-hauled from Norwich to Ely, where 6233 took over, effecting a neat reversal at the same time. It travelled via Leicester and the Camp Hill line, arriving in Shrub Hill at 13.15. Photo: Michael Smyth.

A kestrel hovers in mid-air as 800104 approaches Three Horse Shoes with the diverted 1S18 11.36 (Sunday) Kings Cross-Edinburgh on 9th January 2022. Photo: Alan Jones.

On January 9th 2022, LNER Azuma 800102 approaches the village of Turves and Three Horse Shoes signal box with the diverted 12.36 (Sunday) Kings Cross to Dundee. Some of the remaining chimneys at Whittlesey Brickworks can be seen to the right. Photo: Alan Jones.

Passing the signal box at Three Horse Shoes, diverted LNER Azuma 800201 leads 1Y16, the 07.54 (Sunday) Newcastle to Kings Cross on January 9th 2022. The former Benwick branch left the Down line beyond the box, ran behind it and then turned due South across the Fens, with halts at wonderfully named places such as Quaker's Drove, West Fen Drove, Jones' Drove and White Fen. The branch closed in 1966 and little trace of it remains today. Photo: Alan Jones.

The challenges of maintaining a level trackbed in the Fens are well illustrated in this view of Grand Central Class 180 No. 180105 as it works a diverted 11.18 Sunderland to Kings Cross past Three Horse Shoes on 22nd January 2022. Photo: Alan Jones

Running 90 minutes late on 22nd January 2022, DC Rail Class 60 No. 60029 'Ben Nevis' encounters little mountainous terrain around Three Horse Shoes as it heads towards Ravenhead Sidings in St Helens with 6M89, the 09.01 departure form Middleton Towers. Photo: Alan Jones