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The Froissy Dompierre Light Railway, better known by its nickname "P'tit Train de la Haute Somme", runs for just over four miles in the valley of the Somme River. Our journey on the narrow-gauge railway gives us a fascinating insight into the time of its construction - which was during the First World War, designed to transport urgently-needed supplies to the nearby front line.
We depart from the station at Froissy and follow the preserved railway as it curves to run alongside the Somme Canal, adjacent to the larger river. Shortly afterwards the P'tit Train de la Haute Somme enters a curved tunnel, then emerges and negotiates a sharp zig-zagged section of track. These were both constructed for logistical purposes; not only to navigate the landscape, but also to provide some cover from enemy forces during the war. It is a sobering thought as our train - often steam-hauled - begins to climb slightly, heading away from the winding path of the river.
After a brief ascent, we reach an intermediate station at Plateau de Santerre. From here our journey continues southwards through the flat countryside to the railway's terminus in Dompierre.