The Last Great Narrow-Gauge Railway Adventure
In the midst of outstanding countryside, delightful towns and villages, with park & ride potential, an instantly recognisable identity - there are many benefits that this historic railway could bring to this part of England and to the greater Exmoor area. After sleeping for more than 70 years the L&B is slowly waking.
The Railway Is Being Rebuilt In Three Phases
- Phase 1 Woody Bay to Killington Lane
- Phase 2 Woody Bay to Lynton and Wistlandpound
- Phase 3 - Wistlandpound to Barnstaple
Phase 1 - This is now completed. However, the cost of creating the existing operational railway - Woody Bay to Killington Lane has been high – estimates put the figure at well over £1m and currently we have neither the funds nor the planning consent to extend the railway.
But what we do have is a successful operating railway which we can use to demonstrate that rebuilding the L&B can be both feasible and profitable.
Phase 2 - The next big step a 9 mile railway
Trackbed at Higher Bodley
The Lynton & Barnstaple Trust is assisted in its aim of rebuilding the railway by Exmoor Associates who purchased the section of trackbed at Higher Bodley for eventual reinstatement of the railway. The Trust already owns the land from Parracombe Lane Head to Cricket Field Lane.
So now that all the land from Killington Lane to Cricket Field Lane is secure, it is only natural to know what happens next. As always money plays a part - the cost of developing just this short section of trackbed has been estimated as close to an eye-watering £1M!
Exmoor Enterprise - The Project To Rebuild The Legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
As historically no heritage railway has ever been able to fund any extension from current revenue and so it is extremely unlikely that the L&B will be an exception.
Exmoor Enterprise was created to manage the reinstatement project and to also seek the necessary funds.
Created in 2007 by the L&B Trust, a team was assembled to manage the project to rebuild the railway. It is currently comprised of L&B Trustees or Railway Company Directors, although anyone with the necessary skills and time can be seconded as required.
Members of the Exmoor Enterprise team have already attended public meetings, met with several landowners and other interested parties and done much with regards to publicise the scheme to recreate the railway from Wistlandpound to Lynton. In addition discussions have been held with Exmoor National Park - our planning authority - as outline plannng is being sought for the complete nine miles.
As most of the detail is of a sensitive nature we are sure you will understand why it cannot be made public at this time, but be assured much is being undertaken to facilitate the extension of the railway and hopefully not before too long.
With the necessary finance in place, what appears to be impossible will happen - the Welsh Highland Railway has already shown us the way.
Phase 3 - The future
