Having been on holiday in Cornwall I felt that as we had the time we should take a slightly devious route into North Devon and visit the phoenix line of the Lynton & Barnstaple. As on our earlier visits it does not yet serve either of the titled towns although in the last few years some grand plans have been hatched they were financially challenging and at the moment the line might see some extensions in future years. It is still 205 miles from Waterloo as the railway measures it.
Operations are based at Woody Bay and, in common with many railways we have visited recently there is very little in the nature of brown signs until the site is reached. I am convinced that either I used to be better at finding stations or that signage is not as prevalent as it used to be – does everyone believe that satnav means that brown signs are no longer needed? More signage please. the station is nowhere near the bay after which it is named – which is a decent walk.
Our last visit was (I believe) in 2013 before Bagnall 2819 “Sir George Newnes” came to the line so I think at that time we were hauled by Axe a Kerr Stuart locomotive. The Bagnall is heading the train today and it is gently simmering near the loco shed whilst we consume a light lunch.
We then take our first class compartment (all to ourselves) for the trip. We are sold an all day third class ticket and then for the trip we buy the first class as an extra. We do not have the time today but in other circumstances could go back and forth.
The line is about a mile each way now – I cannot prove it but I think I first visited when it sis not run so far – not long after opening in 2004 and then again in 2013 when we were able to visit Killington Lane which remains the limit of operation. There have been some grand plans and I believe more trackbed purchased over the years but I honestly doubt I will see it reach either of the named places – I hope it manages it one day.