The route described - Woody Bay to Lynton
See also: Wistlandpound to Barnstaple and Woody Bay to Wistlandpound
Extending the railway northeast from Woody Bay would require the replacement of two significant road crossings. The first is at Martinhoe Cross, immediately beyond the current rail head. The cutting beyond the A39 is partially filled, mostly with leaf mulch and vegetation. The second crossing is Woolhanger Lane bridge, which is still in use - 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 would 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, and significant civil engineering work, would be required to allow trains to pass under the road and 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). The old goods shed has been converted to housing.
Although just out of sight of Lynton, the old station already gave a great first glimpse of the sea.
Various options for a station at Lynton have been discussed over the years. Due to the complexity of re-using the origianal site, and distance from the orignal site to the town (which was always a problem when the railway was in operation), an alternative site nearer the town was proposed, but this would be tricky to achieve.
These final views show one potential new station site, The land itself is currently overgrown, but through the trees there is a clear view out across the town. To use this site the reconstructed railway would diverge 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!
Adore this place
I absolutely fall in love with this place every time we go.
Steam train experience
The station was like going back in time very quaint and idyllic.
Step back in time
Woody Bay Station is in pristine condition & takes you straight back in time.