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.  

  A short walk later yet another bridge loomed into view, Pool Anthony Railway Bridge.This bridge was not quite as impressive as the previous one,but still has it's charm.It was obviously built so that the farmer could move his animals from field to field across the track,as there is no other reason for it to be there.The name,"Pool Anthony" is quite a curious one and I wonder if its name comes from anything other than the pond belonging to Tony.

It was here while trying to get to the top of the bridge that my dear companion Christine had a sudden attack of vertigo and although as a gentlemen I did what I could to help and reassure her,I couldn't help but smile as I helped her down the five foot high muddy bank.

Still with a smile on my face,we set off again to see what else we might discover. 

   Luckily for us,the weather on this spring day was very pleasant and it was a pleasure to walk along the line,flanked on both sides by lovely green Devon fields.While walking it was easy to imagine a passenger returning from some far flung trip,gazing out at the Devon countryside from their carriage window and with a relaxing sigh,knowing that they were back in familiar surroundings and were almost home.

  A good stroll later and yet another bridge appeared before us and this one yet again has the fairly common name of Black Bridge.After the brick bridges it seemed quite weird that there would be an iron bridge here and I wondered at first if it might be something modern.After a short climb up the side of its bank,making sure to keep an eye on Christine for any sign of giddiness,we discovered that it was in fact made in 1934 by The Horsehay Company in Shropshire.This company was formed in 1755 and built iron bridges that were shipped all around the world until the company's closure in 1986.

I don't know why an iron bridge and not a stone or brick bridge was built here and it might just be that an iron bridge was cheaper,but my guess is that this was a private venture paid for by the land owners on either side of the railway.

Although to me this bridge is not as attractive as the brick bridges,it still has it's merits and certainly added interest and surprise to our walk.Descending from the bridge without incident we set off once again on our way.

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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.

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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

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