jbarrow2003
Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2021
- Messages
- 8
- Reaction score
- 18
HISTORY
The Taunton and Barnstaple Railway closed to rail traffic after 1966 as a result of the Beeching act. Since, then, part of the tracked in Devon is now taken up by the A361, with a few exceptions, this being one of them. The result of this has been that many local communities had lost their rail network, with towns such as Wiveliscombe, Dulverton and South Molton. The only railway from North Devon now is the Tarka Line to Exeter. As the photos suggest, this section was single-track, but there are a number of passing loops on the route and principal stations.
EXPLORE
This section can be found behind a small industrial estate. I went in the evening when there wasn't anyone around, but doubt they will kick up too much of a fuss anyway. Along the old track bed, there are a couple places where sheep/cattle can cross between fields, so anyone visiting this location might want to keep an eye out for anyone involved with farming in the surrounding fields. Of course, all gates should be closed behind you so it doesn't leave any obvious signs that someone has been through. A short walk along the track bed (now track) through the woodland will get you to the tunnel. The tunnel though is very damp inside, I'd recommend wearing wellington boots as very muddy and a few puddles about. I only had trainers on so I didn't attempt to go right to the end though.
Apologies about some of the photos being a bit blurry, didn't seem that bad when I was walking along taking them with my phone lol.
The Taunton and Barnstaple Railway closed to rail traffic after 1966 as a result of the Beeching act. Since, then, part of the tracked in Devon is now taken up by the A361, with a few exceptions, this being one of them. The result of this has been that many local communities had lost their rail network, with towns such as Wiveliscombe, Dulverton and South Molton. The only railway from North Devon now is the Tarka Line to Exeter. As the photos suggest, this section was single-track, but there are a number of passing loops on the route and principal stations.
EXPLORE
This section can be found behind a small industrial estate. I went in the evening when there wasn't anyone around, but doubt they will kick up too much of a fuss anyway. Along the old track bed, there are a couple places where sheep/cattle can cross between fields, so anyone visiting this location might want to keep an eye out for anyone involved with farming in the surrounding fields. Of course, all gates should be closed behind you so it doesn't leave any obvious signs that someone has been through. A short walk along the track bed (now track) through the woodland will get you to the tunnel. The tunnel though is very damp inside, I'd recommend wearing wellington boots as very muddy and a few puddles about. I only had trainers on so I didn't attempt to go right to the end though.
Apologies about some of the photos being a bit blurry, didn't seem that bad when I was walking along taking them with my phone lol.
