Ling Jiao Station, Ping Si Branch

嶺腳，這個繁華褪去的小鎮，並沒有得到太多遊客的青睞。但其實嶺腳有許多值得探訪的景點，諸如古橋、古厝、瀑布，還有選洗煤場及吊橋遺跡等等，而且都集中在車站附近，輕鬆步行就可以悠遊這些古蹟與遺址。來平溪支線旅遊的遊客，不妨利用火車班次間的空檔，欣賞一下嶺腳這個可愛的小站。

Ling Jiao is a small quiet town without too many visitors. However, there are many worth-to-visit spots, such as, old bridge, ancient houses, waterfall, as well as the coal mining field and suspension bridge...etc. They are all located around the train station with walking distance. Ride on Ping Si branch train; you can also visit this lovely mini station in Ling Jiao between trains.

嶺腳村位於山腳下，當地稱之為「嶺仔腳」而得名。在煤礦開採盛期，這裡是昔日附近山區坑口的交煤車站，如今人口大量外移，風光歷史不再，嶺腳站遂被降為招呼站。

Ling Jiao village is at the foot of a mountain. It was also named “Ling Zai Jiao” by the local residents. During the past peak mining time, Ling Jiao was the place for the coal transportation. Due to the out-flux of local population, the mining history is no longer reappearing. Ling Jiao station has become a no-host station.

嶺腳車站有個簡易的方型站房，相當的樸實迷你，但因為是無人招呼站所以站房門窗深鎖。

Ling Jiao station is a very simple and small square station. Because it is a no-host station, the door and windows are all locked.

特別的是，這裡的月台是少見的弧型月台，彎彎的鐵道別有一番風情。

The platform is an arc platform which is rarely seen. The curve tracks look very unique.

車站旁往菁桐方向，有座橫跨基隆河的鐵橋，遊客在這裡輕易的就能補捉列車駛進鐵橋的畫面。

An iron bridge crossing Keelung River near the station toward to Ching Tong direction, visitors can capture the images easily for the train entering the bridge with its camera.

嶺腳聚落的主要街道就是昔日的台車道，目前車站旁放置著二輛台車，供遊客追思懷舊。

The main street of Ling Jiao used to be a trolley pathway. Two trolleys are placed near the station for visitor’s nostalgia.

台車身後那一幢建築，是當年的選洗煤場。

The building behind the trolleys was the coal washing field.

穿過選洗煤場旁的小徑，在嶺腳社區運動場旁，還可以看到昔日運煤台車道與吊橋遺跡。如此近的距離，就可以飽覽嶺腳的礦業文化遺產實屬難得。

After passing the coal washing field, next to the community playground, the old coal trolley and the reaming of the suspension bridge are there. It is remarkable to see the Ling Jiao old mining culture in such a close distance.

舊台車道遺跡不遠處，有座小小的土地公廟，可看它小哦！這間土地公廟可是有百年的歷史了。

Near the trolley path, a small “Land God Temple” is there. This small temple is about hundreds year old.

土地公不遠處，有幢古樸的二層樓紅磚建築，這是昔日嶺腳礦業大老的居所，也是當時的事務所。

Near the “Land God Temple”, a two-story ancient looking red brick house is there. This house used to be the mining leader’s residence. It was also the business office.

這幢「蔡家古厝」目前無人居住，不過，它優美典雅的外型，得到電視劇導演的青睞，有偶像劇在此取景拍攝。

This “Tasi ancient house” is empty now. Many TV show producers shot the elegant and beautiful exterior for the TV drama series.

嶺腳最讓我驚豔的，就是這座古橋了。佈滿菁苔的古橋，充滿著迷人的滄桑感。

I was astonished by this old bridge. It is covered with moss and full of the evidence of old history.

橋下有美麗的小潭瀑，上頭不遠處還有一個，這二個與嶺腳瀑布被稱之為三疊瀑潭。

A small pond waterfall is under the bridge. There is another one above. Along with these two, the Ling Jiao waterfall was named “San Die Pu Tan” (Three pond waterfalls)

瀑潭裡可見明顯的壺穴地貌。

Potholes can be seen in the pond waterfall.

從旁邊的水泥橋上拍古橋全貌。

This photo was taken from a concrete bridge overlooking the old bridge.

距嶺腳車站不到一分鐘的路程，有個平溪鄉的第二大瀑布－嶺腳瀑布。早期這裡是私人闢建的風景區，但因管理不善已徹離經營，目前呈無人管理狀態。

Just a minute away from the train station, the second largest waterfall of Ping Si Town can be seen- Ling Jiao Waterfall. It was a privately owned scenery area. However, due to the poor management, it has been neglected since then.

景區雖然荒廢了，但生機還在，這裡一片欣欣向榮。遍地蔓生的綠意，讓我對這裡留下了極為深刻的印象。

Although this area has been neglected, the thriving life is still there. I was impressed with all the rampant green.

瀑布掩身在用岩石鑿成的人工石窟後方，因為到處都長滿青苔，在這裡步行要十分小心。

The waterfall is hiding behind the man made rock hole. Everywhere is covered with moss, so be careful while walking here.

嶺腳瀑布的瀑高僅11公尺，但豐水期間，瀑寬可達40公尺以上。

Ling Jiao waterfall is about 11 meter tall. During the raining season, the width of the waterfall can be more than 40 meters.

嶺腳的這些古橋、古厝、瀑布，還有選洗煤場及吊橋遺跡等等，都集中在車站附近，輕鬆步行就可以悠遊這些古蹟與遺址。來平溪支線旅遊的遊客，不妨利用火車班次間的空檔，欣賞一下嶺腳這個可愛的小站。

The old bridge, ancient house, waterfall as well as the coal washing field and the remainder of the old bridge are all within walking distance from the train station. Come to visit this lovely and mini Ling Jiao station between trains in Ping Si Branch.

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