davetheguard
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- 10 Apr 2013
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I had a very enjoyable day trip along the normally freight only line to Okehampton in Devon yesterday. Devon County Council are paying for four return trips a day on Sundays operated by Great Western Railway. Next Sunday, 11th September, is the last date of operation this year if you'd like to do the trip too. Fares are reasonable (£5 for a day return from Exeter) available from railway ticket offices as usual, and railcard discounts apply.
I caught the first train of the day at Exeter Central departing at 09.04, with about ten passengers aboard; quite a few more joined at St. David's station. After stopping at Crediton to pick up three more passengers, we then stopped briefly again at the attractive signalbox to pick up the token for the single line to Okehampton. The railway from here operates as two parallel single lines: one to Barnstaple; one to Okehampton. Non-stop through Yeoford station, we then diverged at what used to be Coleford Junction on to what is now the Dartmoor Railway's tracks to Okehampton.
We ran through the former station of Bow, still with its station building and green running in board; now in private ownership. A quick stop was made at Sampford Courtenay station, where one passenger boarded, after our Guard had unlocked the gate to the platform.
And so on to Okehampton with views of Dartmoor in the distance. The station here is looking loved, neat in Southern Green, ticket office open for sale of tickets on the Dartmoor Railway trains to Meldon Quarry, busy cafe selling hot food as well as tea & cakes. Lots of people on the platforms, many of whom boarded the "153" bubble car back to Exeter, which left with all seats taken and a handful standing.
After a cup of tea at the cafe, I continued on by the Dartmoor Railway class 47-propelled train on to Meldon Quarry, where you can get off to inspect -and walk over- the huge viaduct. The trackbed continues on, now known as the Granite Way footpath/cyclepath. All with great views of Dartmoor, and a wonderful easily graded walk. I walked as far as the village of Sourton, where there's a pub for lunch, and returned over the moor itself on a different path. After a 8 mile walk, I was ready for another tea at Okehampton's station cafe, before returning on the 15.23 train to Exeter. The last train of the day -and the last train of the year- leaves for Exeter next Sunday at 17.59.
Well recommended, with or without the walk.
By the way, the 200 milepost, and the wooden "sculpture" are at the site of Meldon Junction, where the line to Bude & Padstow branched off the Southern's main line to Tavistock, Bere Alston, & Plymouth.
I caught the first train of the day at Exeter Central departing at 09.04, with about ten passengers aboard; quite a few more joined at St. David's station. After stopping at Crediton to pick up three more passengers, we then stopped briefly again at the attractive signalbox to pick up the token for the single line to Okehampton. The railway from here operates as two parallel single lines: one to Barnstaple; one to Okehampton. Non-stop through Yeoford station, we then diverged at what used to be Coleford Junction on to what is now the Dartmoor Railway's tracks to Okehampton.
We ran through the former station of Bow, still with its station building and green running in board; now in private ownership. A quick stop was made at Sampford Courtenay station, where one passenger boarded, after our Guard had unlocked the gate to the platform.
And so on to Okehampton with views of Dartmoor in the distance. The station here is looking loved, neat in Southern Green, ticket office open for sale of tickets on the Dartmoor Railway trains to Meldon Quarry, busy cafe selling hot food as well as tea & cakes. Lots of people on the platforms, many of whom boarded the "153" bubble car back to Exeter, which left with all seats taken and a handful standing.
After a cup of tea at the cafe, I continued on by the Dartmoor Railway class 47-propelled train on to Meldon Quarry, where you can get off to inspect -and walk over- the huge viaduct. The trackbed continues on, now known as the Granite Way footpath/cyclepath. All with great views of Dartmoor, and a wonderful easily graded walk. I walked as far as the village of Sourton, where there's a pub for lunch, and returned over the moor itself on a different path. After a 8 mile walk, I was ready for another tea at Okehampton's station cafe, before returning on the 15.23 train to Exeter. The last train of the day -and the last train of the year- leaves for Exeter next Sunday at 17.59.
Well recommended, with or without the walk.
By the way, the 200 milepost, and the wooden "sculpture" are at the site of Meldon Junction, where the line to Bude & Padstow branched off the Southern's main line to Tavistock, Bere Alston, & Plymouth.
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