The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway opened in 1898 and ran for 19 miles connecting the North Devon town of Barnstaple with the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Due to the difficult terrain a narrow gauge railway was constructed. It was never a success, it became part of the Southern Railway, and despite investment, the railway was closed in 1935.
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust was formed in 2000. They worked on the railway and a short section was reopened to passengers in 2004, which was extended in 2006.
We made our first visit to Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in June 2006. Back then we rode the train to Killington Lane. It has to be said that there isn’t much to do at Killington Lane. We did another visit in April 2011 and once again we rode the train. Our last visit was in April 2014.
Over the last ten years I have driven past Woody Bay a few times, and do remember at least once seeing the train steaming to the station along the line.
Since I visited in 2014, the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust had gained a new steam locomotive, Lyn, a replica of one of the steam locomotives that the Southern Railway used in 1923. I had wanted to plan a return visit to see this loco in action. This time, it was a fleeting visit, and I didn’t travel on the train itself. However, I did take the time to visit the tearoom, and did treat myself to a teatowel in the shop.
I did enjoy watching this recreation of the original Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust steaming in and out of Woody Bay station.