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• Round Exmoor by Rail...
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The Railways Round Exmoor Ticket gives travel on the West Somerset Railway, the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway and the re-opened section of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway between Woody Bay station (which is actually at Martinhoe Cross) and Killington Lane (on the edge of the village of Parracombe).
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• The West Somerset Railway
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The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch the steam and countryside drift past the window...
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• The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
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The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is a narrow gauge (2 foot/ 760 cm) line which opened in 1898 to transport Victorian holidaymakers through glorious Devonshire scenery to the “twin towns” of Lynton and Lynmouth, where Exmoor meets the sea, and local farmers to the market town of Barnstaple. Increasing road competition forced the Southern Railway to close the L&B in 1935 but the memory of the much loved little railway refused to die. On the day after the last trains ran, a wreath was sent by "a constant user and admirer" with the inspiring message "perchance it is not dead but sleepeth".
Suitably inspired by this message, a dedicated band of enthusiasts have laboured long and hard to begin to bring the railway back to life. The delightful Woody Bay station, once the highest on the Southern Railway, has been beautifully restored and track has been relaid as far as a Halt at Killington Lane on the edge of the village of Parracombe. The views over the section of Exmoor to the sea are some of the finest on offer, and if you would like to explore for a while on foot the L&B publishes a book of walks from Killington Lane. For lunch there is the “Fox and Goose” in Parracombe. Woody Bay Station stands alongside the A39 halfway between Lynton and Blackmoor Gate. Bus services 309 and 310 buses stop outside the station. The telephone number for the station is 01598 763487 and the website is at www.lynton-rail.co.uk
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• The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
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The Railway is one of the few water powered railways in the world and opened in 1888 to link the twin towns of Lynon and Lynmouth. It is 862 feet long with a vertical drop of 500 feet. The incline is approximately 1 in 1.75. Apart from making travel between Lynmouth and Lynton less strenuous the journey gives the chance to enjoy the wonderful views across Lynmouth Bay and the Bristol Channel to Wales. Enjoy a snack in the Cliff Top Café before descending to the old port of Lynmouth with its harbour, shops, coastal walks, beautiful Watersmeet and many other attractions including the Glen Lyn Gorge. The Cliff Railway’s service is continuous every day between 10.00 and 17.00 during the running season (March 1st to October 31st) with later closing times during high season. The telephone number is 01598 753908/753486 and their website is www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk.
As you might expect purchase of a Railways Round Exmoor ticket brings some discount compared with buying tickets for each of the lines individually. In addition the ticket does not have to be used in a single day. You can travel on one line on one day and the others at a later date. So they are ideal for visitors taking a long weekend in the area or for those who pay more than one visit to this wonderful area in 2007.
Costs are £18 for adults £16 for Seniors and £9 for children.
Please note - the Railways Round Exmoor Ticket is not valid for travel on the West Somerset Railway on the following dates in 2007. March 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th. June 15th, 16th and 17th. July 7th and 8th. October 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 27th and 28th. December 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 29th.
Tickets can be purchased from Booking Offices at each of the participating Railways or in advance from the West Somerset Railway Commercial Department by calling 01643 704996.
Exmoor area has many places to stay ranging from Hotels to Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns. For more please see the Accomodation links page or for more details we suggest you contact the following Tourist Information Centres -
Lynton 01598 752225 info@lyntontourism.co.uk
Minehead 01643 702624 mineheadtic@visit.org.uk
Porlock 01643 863150 porlock@somerset.gov.uk.
Other useful sites to see are
www.exmoor.com
www.visit-exmoor.info.
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Railways Round Exmoor Joint Ticket
