Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

I was wondering if the trackbed between Killington Lane and Parracombe could be a suitable candidate in between now, and the reinstatement? It would give people a reason to get off the train, spend a couple of hours walking into Churchtown, a pint and a bite at the Fox and Goose, and then a later train back to Woody. The only problem, apart from fencing, that I could see is that access from the trackbed to Church Lane might be a bit problematic, unless an access way could be made from under the bridge at the halt, up to the lane from there. It's a nice idea, but practicalities are always foremost.

 

That is so, as far as it goes. Once a section of trackbed has been a footpath, it will generally be assumed that it always will be. It will cause the railway problems to stop people using it.
Another option is what the Bluebell railway did which was to run organised, guided walks along vacant trackbed. That generates income but also - potentially - a car parking problem.

 

In the Bluebell case, I don't think it caused parking issues. The normal modus operandi was to start the walk from one end of the line that had no parking anyway. So people got on the train at one end of the line (where there was parking), decamped for their guided walk, and when that was over caught the train back. It was generally done at galas etc.

More recently the line has held sponsored walks along the whole line when it has been closed. Again, people have arrived at one end (with a large car park); been transported by bus to the far end and then walked back, so again no parking issue. But the art of the possible does obviously depend on the local topography.

Tom

 

EA's stretch of trackbed at Raleigh Weir on the edge of Barnstaple and the length at Snapper Halt are easily accessible to walk

 

A little piece of news for those who knew of the loco already and for those who dont,if the link doesnt work please visit EA's website

https://www.exmoor-associates.co.uk/2021/07/the-loco-now-leaving-lynton-station/

 

Hats off to the crane operator. The loco looks very close to the roof of the building in one of the pictures.

 

'Rusto', the rusty diesel engine. I like it!
Didn't I read somewhere that it was pretty far gone?

 

Wasn't it featured in either Ch5s Walking Britain’s Lost Railways, presented by Rob Bell or the Yesterday channel?

 

Thanks Meatman, as it is possible/happening at those locations then I would think it may happen elsewhere along the route. Having such "L& B Walks" would help to keep the track bed a bit clearer and show where the railway will be going....eventually. It also shows that the Company wants to provide a useful amenity.

 

I used to drive this loco, then named "Brunell" on the Creekmoor Light Railway in Dorset in the early 1970s !

 

If that happens an archeological survey ought to be attempted to confirm that the erstwhile Parracombe (goods) siding was partially built where it was planned. See the transcript of the L & B drawing in 'Measured and Drawn' page 203. More detail destined to be provided in a forthcoming history.

 

I would not give anyone access to the trackbed. Walking along it will soon turn into a right, rightly or wrongly. We had big issues with trackbed walkers on the GWSR, at Bishops Cleeve and, in my presence, one at Broadway who walked right through the building site with his dog, even as we were working on it, claiming loudly 'You're not going to stop me now'. He then put in a claim with the local council to turn our trackbed through Broadway station (!) into a Public Footpath! Luckily the relevant department was overworked, and our planning application was approved before they got round to his request. Phew!

 

A very good suggestion. Far too often useful historical evidence can be swept away in the (understandable) enthusiasm to proceed with new work (not that I'm suggesting that the L&BR has been at fault here).

Ironically (given recent mention) I have found Sustrans (or their contractors) to be a culprit in such matters in the past, clearing away or burying track-bed and so-called 'old scrap' before anyone has had the chance to look for makers' details etc :-(

 

You make a striking point, Jo. It's extraordinary, the mentality of some individuals, and I can't help but wonder if its the same in other countries? So perhaps not such a good idea, under the circumstances.
Puts me in mind of the American fellow who once said "In the States, we used to think that Midsomer Murders was some kind of cheesy Brit drama series. Now I live here, I've come to realise its a hard-hitting documentary."

 

Well certainly I wouldn't want the railway "right of way" turned into a permanent footpath!...but if it was clearly marked as a "Temporary footpath for the benefit of walkers Before reinstatement of the railway", that could be sufficient?
On another matter it was very good to receive an e mail from Exmoor Associates a couple of days ago which, in part said.......

"Dear Bratton Fleming Station appeal supporter, Commemorative Plaque Names confirmation As you know, it is planned to have a plaque installed at Bratton Fleming Station to record those who generously helped to buy the property. Before we go ahead and look at producing something tangible, please would you have a peek at the attached list...."
They certainly do a lot to keep their supporters informed and appreciated....Well Done EA ..... and the L & B who do likewise.

 

Did the Ffestiniog have issues with the Welsh Highland trackbed? I can remember walking the trackbed of the Aberglaslyn pass as a child and it was a footpath for a very long time.

 

Probably best to leave things as they are to avoid any possible problems, especially when there are some locals who do not wish to see the railway return. Perhaps an annual fundraising trackbed walk as mentioned by Tom would be a good way forward?

 

I recall walking the cutting at Beddgelert back in '71 and that was closer to a ditch for a very long time!

IIRC, The line passed to the old Carnarvonshire (as was) County Council, as being one of the principal creditors of the original WHR. With hindsight, we should be enormously grateful they didn't follow the precedent set, by Staffordshire CC, on the route of the defunct Leek & Manifold. Had the old WHR vanished beneath tarmac, we wouldn't now have the magnificent sight of NGG16s attacking long and tortuous 1:40 gradients. Maybe that was less luck than merely being down to the WHR being lifted during WWII, when there were somewhat higher priorities in play.

 

Raleigh Weir is a designated public footpath!

Out of interest, when the restoration is completed where will RUSTON go and for what purpose?

Michael, an excellent proposal. However, it is pointless to suggest it here on this public discussion forum. Contact the L&BR Chairman, his contact details are included in each issue of the L&BRT 'house' magazine.

Completely agree. Over the entire pre-1935 L&BR route, between Pilton and Barbrook there are two existing sections of trackbed of which I am aware, where in one case unhindered public access is already approved, and another where access is being claimed thus causing the L&BR some concern.

Prior to the Covid pandemic, there was traditionally a FREE trackbed walk organised by Exmoor Associates following on after their Shareholders' Meeting (and buffet lunch). Perhaps another reason to support the railway by buying some EA shares?

 

It didn’t pass to the Council but remained in the ownership of the old WHR Co. (which lingered in Receivership until finally wound up in 2003). The receiver was advised most of the land could not be sold-off without an Abandonment Order but the creditors (including the Council) were unwilling to pay for this therefore the WHR was still, legally speaking, a statutory railway and as such footpath rights-of-way could not exist upon it no matter for how long people had walked that way.

The L&B is different since all the land was sold.