In a first for this blog, we’re visiting a heritage narrow gauge railway in North Devon; the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2023! Closed in 1935, volunteers have reinstated a 2 mile return journey from Woody Bay to Killington Lane. It’s an ambitious project with the aim of restoring the former line further (subject to planning permission) through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. The trip may be short but its made all the more special by the fact you get to travel in original Victorian carriages from the 1890’s. Unfortunately I was enjoying myself too much I forgot to get some good shots of the carriage interiors!
The loco we travelled on the day ‘Lyn’ has an interesting history. It is the world’s only new-built American steam loco, built in 2017. The original Lyn was sadly reduced to scrap back when the line closed in 1935, however a charity (The 762 club) was formed with the intention of constructing, owning and maintaining a new ‘Lyn’ for operation. As you can see below, they very much succeeded in this endeavour.
