1 result matching: West Somerset Railway
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The West Somerset Railway originally opened
for full service between Taunton and Minehead in 1874. It was
always only a single track railway, in spite of the heavy tourist
traffic it regularly handled in the summer months. Surprisingly,
the volume of passengers was not enough to save the line from
closure on the recommendation of the Beeching Report. Freight
services stopped in 1964 and all trains were finally withdrawn in
1971.
As the closure was gradual, a preservation society had time to
plan running the railway privately, and were able to reopen the
line in stages from 1976. Now, at just over 22 miles in length,
the West Somerset Railway is the UK's longest
heritage railway line.
When travelling on this line, we begin in the quaint village of Bishop's Lydeard, from where our historic train starts a relatively steep climb into the lower reaches of the Quantock Hills. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the view from the train is simply magnificent as the line peaks then descends to Crowcombe Heathfield. From here the journey continues along the eastern edge of Exmoor National Park. Our train then reaches a picturesque valley between the Quantock and Brendon Hills as we arrive in the pretty village of Stogumber. The West Somerset Railway then continues to descend past rolling rural farmland and through Williton, passing the Coleridge Way - named because the landscape here inspired some of the writer's best work. At this point the coast comes into view, with a wonderful vista over the golden sands leading down to the Bristol Channel.
Our (usually) steam-hauled service runs alongside the shore as it arrives in the ancient harbour town of Watchet. On departing Watchet, the railway heads back inland slightly as it climbs to the delightful town of Washford, a lively place that has remained a popular visitor destination for decades.
