The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway - Woody Bay to Lynton

When we extend the railway northeast from Woody Bay, we will need to replace two significant road crossings. The first is at Martinhoe Cross, immediately beyond the current rail head. When it happens, this is likely to be completed as a tunnelling contract.

The cutting beyond the A39 is partially filled, mostly with leaf mulch and vegetation. Woolhanger Lane bridge is still in use and the cutting under and beyond just needs to be emptied of fill.

The trackbed to Caffyns is in good repair with just one bridge missing over a small lane to the riding stables.

Caffyns Halt originally just consisted of a single platform and waiting shelter. The old railway originally used it as a stop for the nearby Golf Links (now closed) - the modern day railway will be able to serve the nearby guesthouse and the very popular Camping and Caravaning Club site near to Caffyns Cross.

The trackbed beyond Caffyns originally went under the main road. Since closure, the trackbed has been sliced through by the new realigned road. The 2nd photo above shows how the trackbed has literally been cut through.

A new bridge will have to be built under the road so trains can carry on towards Lynton.

At Dean Lane, a large section of embankment needs replacing along with a small bridge over the lane. One abutment still remains, behind which is the Dean Lane Cattle Creep.

From Dean to Barbrook the views are stunning, some of the best along the whole route of the former railway. Although part of section is owned by the L&BR Trust, we do ask that you do not walk any of this stretch of trackbed.

From Barbrook to Lynton the line meandered along a high ledge through Kibsworthy Woods and over Larkscleave Bridge (below left).

The trackbed is clear from here to the environs of the old station site.

The old station site at Lynton has seen some development at the Barnstaple end. The station building itself is little-changed from when the trains ceased to call (owned by an L&B Trust member and used as a holiday let).

Although just out of sight of Lynton, the old station already gave a great first glimpse of the sea. When we get to the stage of reinstating the railway to Lynton, it is intended that a new station will be developed on an alternative site closer to the town and allowing better vehicular access.

These final views show the intended new station site, The land itself is currently overgrown, but through the trees there is a clear view out across the town. It is intended that when the railway is reconstructed it is likely to diverge off to the left of the old trackbed, just beyond Larkscleave Bridge with the new trackbed above the original station before eventually descending to a new station site.

Lynton & Lynmouth make a fantastic destination for the railway. Visitors will be able to visit one of the many street cafes, or maybe the Town Hall or Lyn & Exmoor Museum. The towns are famed for their historic water powered cliff railway, which also allows access to the beach and harbour at Lynmouth. The twin towns, described as "England's Little Switzerland" have a wealth of shops, eateries, pubs and guesthouses. Far from a run down seaside town, Lynton & Lynmouth really are the place to go in North Devon - they even boast having the only cinema in North Devon and Exmoor with full Dolby Digital Surround Sound!

Local trade has the potential to benefit a huge amount from the reconstruction of the railway. Trains can take the strain out of parking, where spaces are currently few and far between in summer months. The railway's traffic will also have the effect of bringing more people to the area and extending the existing season.

Often overlooked is the many benefits for the locals too! The railway can provide a social place to go - look to other lines such as North Wales's Ffestiniog as an example... Evening party trains for those with a bit of energy, or how about travelling on an autumn train to Woody Bay, or maybe a Fish & Chip special?

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is North Devon's own railway - with its potential fully realised, it will bring pleasure to many people far and wide!

After rebuilding the railway to both Wistlandpound to Lynton, we can then realize the potential to rebuild back towards Barnstaple...

Dogs

Well-behaved dogs and their owners are always welcome and all dogs travel FREE provided they are accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The only conditions are that they are kept on a lead and for reasons of hygiene are not permitted on the seats. If your dog enjoys the ride then please consider making a small donation.

PUSHCHAIRS

We regret that due to space constraints, pushchairs and buggies cannot be accommodated on trains, however there is space for them to be left at the station at the owners’ own risk.

Groups

Groups - Discounts are available for group travel. You can also book your own train or hire the whole railway for your own event. Please contact us for further details.

MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT

Wheelchairs 30” wide or less can be accommodated on the train. Those with larger wheelchairs may wish to contact the railway in advance to discuss arrangements. All our normal service trains have space for customers with mobility impairments, including two wheelchair spaces. A wheelchair ramp is available - just ask a member of our staff for assistance.

Although we can accommodate wheelchairs on our trains, due to the narrowness of our carriages there is no turning space on the train.

See our Accessibility Statement for more details.

DISCOUNTS

Please note that discount vouchers or group discount cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or voucher and can only be used to purchase train tickets and do not apply during special events.

We offer a 50% discount if you return for a visit and travel any time within the next 28 days. Just retain your ticket.

A Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway Ticket (purchased within the last 7 days) entitles you to a 10% discount. Current National Trust Members are entitled to a 20% Discount per person.

Your L&BR tickets entitles you to a 10% discount of ticket price when you visit the West Somerset Railway and vice versa your WSR ticket gets you a 10% discount of your tickets when visiting the L&BR (maximum one discount per ticket per visit)

NO SMOKING POLICY

In line with all the main line railways and the majority of heritage lines, the L&B operates a site-wide no smoking policy. We have a legal duty to comply with the law - please assist us by refraining from smoking whilst visiting our railway.