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.  

What it Looks Like Today:   Bolham Halt

 Today we decided to go and have a look at Bolham Halt,to see if anything still remains of the halt that was built in 1928.Many times I have driven past Bolham,either on my way to Tiverton or to Knightshayes and I've rarely given it a second glance,but that's a mistake,as it is actually a rather pretty little village.

Many people  don't know that the main road used to actually go through Bolham,before the road layout was changed,so as to bypass the village.

  As you drive into Bolham,you can't help but see the impressive rail bridge,that dominates the centre of the village.Like most of the bridges that I have seen on the line,it is well built,very sturdy and in excellent condition considering that it hasn't been used for over 50 years.The red creeper on it really makes it stand out as well.When you and look up at the bridge,you can easily imagine the Tivvy Bumper puffing along the top,with the driver looking out at the halt hoping that there are no passengers waiting,so that he doesn't have to stop and lose the momentum he's built up.

 Click on the buttons to switch between how it used to look and how it looks today. 

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After parking up in Bolham,we had a walk around the village.The "we" on this occasion was myself Christine and my eldest boy,Cai who was still on his holidays.The village has many interesting buildings,including the Old Chapel house and the Old Post Office.Years ago I remember stopping off at this post office to buy something,as it also sold groceries,I think I bought beer and cigarettes...oh the good old days!  Anyway,it's gone like many little post offices and shops.Amusingly though,there is still some trade going on in Bolham in the old red telephone box.Here you can buy books and pay for them in the honesty box.Yes there are still places where people are honest and it doesn't surprise me that Bolham is one of those places.  

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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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