Welcome to Exe Valley Railway.com

The Exe Valley Railway was a branch line in Devon built by the Great Western Railway.It was in constant use from 1884 until the line was closed to passengers on the 7th October 1963.

It ran for almost 25 miles through beautiful Devon countryside and is still a happy memory for those who were lucky enough to travel along this picturesque route.

Although the line has been dismantled,most of the line remains unbuilt on,a tantalising thought that leaves open the possibility,however small,of the track one day being relaid and once again people travelling by train this beautiful route.  

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 When we first saw this bridge it was quite amazing,a bit like a mountain appearing out of the mist and it's appearance just after a rather hard stretch of the route made it seem even more special.This bridge is so hidden and out of the way,that I imagine not too many people know of it's existence.I knew that there was a bridge here by studying the maps,but even I was surprised to find it still standing and in good condition.It seems that the only reason that the bridge was built was so that farmers could move livestock across the top of it from one field to the other.I can't think of any other reason,as all it does is connect two fields.

After climbing up the bank to the top of the bridge,we found that judging by all the hoof prints in the mud,it is still used for this purpose.I wonder if originally the farmer had to pay for this bridge to be built or the railway paid as it disseceted his land.From the top of the bridge you can also see the small village of Morebath in the distance.

The bridge itself is beautifully built and has a nice wide arch.It seems amazing that this was built for cows and sheep to walk across and you can only imagine what these creatures thought when a steam train passed under them,enveloping them in its steam and smoke.After thoroughly investigating this bridge,we found that time had gone quicker than planned and we needed to get back to pick up the children from school,so we didn't walk the short distance to Morebath Junction Halt,but you can read about our previous visit there,What it Looks Like Today:Morebath Junction Halt.

We instead,about turned and walked all the way back to where we had left the car at Exebridge,before driving to the school just in time to pick the nippers up. 

 

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News From Down the Line

newslogo44Every now and then when I talk to people and they hear of my interest in the Exe Valley Railway,they tell me little bits of information or recall an old memory.It always amazes me how even today,more than 50 years after it's closure,the fondness with which people remember the railway and how fresh the memories seem to be to them.

This little section of the website is to pass on to you these little "titbits" and any other small pieces of information that I have come across.

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- LATEST NEWS-

 

 

24/4/19These interesting pictures of Dulverton Station were sent in by Fred Gillard, who visited in about 1970 to take some pictures for a model railway project that he was building. The station buildings were bought by the Carnarvon Arms (now closed down) and used as staff and overflow guest accommodation,before being converted into residential housing. Thank you very much Fred for taking the time to share your pictures.

READ MORE

 

 

Memories of the EVR

If you have any memories of the Exe Valley Railway that you would like to share with us,please get in contact with me and maybe we could publish them on our website.Likewise,if you have any photographs or film related to the railway that you would like to share,please contact me.   

Exe Valley Railway Quiz

How much do you know about the Exe Valley Railway?Take our quiz and find out!

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Interesting Videos

Select the video you want using the buttons below,then click on the screen to play the video

                                                

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GWR Posters

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