Future Plans

Extending the operating railway from Killington Lane to Parracombe

This is the current priority following members’ feedback to the options survey carried out during the summer of 2025. Preliminary background investigations have been progressing to define the scope, identify risks, refine costs and to develop a delivery plan.

This work started with clearance of vegetation on the section of track bed between Cricket Field Lane and Parracombe Halt before Christmas 2025 to enable access for a topographical survey, arboriculture assessments and ecological assessments.

This was followed by taking pre-application advice with Exmoor National Park Planning Authority in the New Year.

We are currently engaged in a local public consultation and liaison process which started with Parracombe Parish Council on 14th April 2026 followed by a public meeting in the village hall on Saturday 25th April. 2026. We have also invited direct negotiations with neighbours and the local school to answer their specific questions and listen to and consider any points of concern.

The closing date for all comments is 11th May after which there will be a period of scheme development to incorporate changes and mitigations in response to the comments received. Further liaison with the Parish Council is anticipated before finalising proposals and preparing the necessary documents to support the planning application.

Preparation of the track bed from Blackmoor Gate to Wistlandpound

Although this is a secondary priority, preliminary works are progressing.

Bridges 54 and 55 were renovated and re-constructed in 2019. The railway boundaries have recently been fenced across Bridwick Farm.

A hardcore access route is currently being laid from Old Station Inn towards Bridge 55 that will be used for future construction access. In the interim it may open as a walking route from Old Station Inn as far as Bridge 54, where the public bridleway known as Pound Lane provides a link to the Calvert Trust site and onward to Wistlandpound reservoir. Sufficient land has been fenced to accommodate a permanent path parallel with the railway when fully reinstated.

Negotiations with South West Water are progressing to obtain a lease over the track bed from Bridge 53 to the Wistlandpound Halt site. When that has been finalised, preparatory groundwork may be undertaken to prepare the formation of the track bed between Bridge 53 (Wistlandpound Lane) and Wistlandpound Halt site.

When work commences to clear the infilled cuttings at Killington Lane and Parracombe Lane the excavated material will be used to raise ground level beside Old Station Inn to accommodate the new Blackmoor Station which already has planning approval from North Devon Council.

Updated: 28/04/2026