Andrew takes a little exercise!
Petrockstow to Bideford
Andrew Jones
Petrockstow to Bideford
Andrew Jones
Dear Keith and Valerie,
Today (22nd June2021) I revisited the Meeth to Bideford railway. The last time I was there was on one of the last specials run in the early eighties. I parked at the site of Petrockstowe Station, (known as Petrockstow without the ‘e’ during its railway history).
My previous trip was viewed from the carriage of a BR Mk 1, so the gradient didn’t really influence the comfort of the experience. However my latest visit involved cycling the 27 mile round trip to Bideford.
From Petrockstowe to Yarde Halt I passed the Peters Marland clay works which once contained a busy internal rail system, long gone with little to remind you of its presence. The gradient on this section was slightly up hill and generally follows a plateau. From East Yarde however the gradient steepens downhill until reaching the lengthy Iron Girder viaduct a few yards before entering Torrington station.
Here I stopped for a little light refreshment at the Puffing Billy Trading Co which has taken over the old station buildings.
The Tarka Valley railway group are busy trying to establish a base at Torrington and have laid a short length of track’ including an expensive set of points, laid in new materials, looking hopefully towards Bideford with the aim of re establishing a rail link between Torrington and Bideford. I continued through Landcross Tunnel and decided just short of Bideford that I should turn around and tackle the return journey which now included a stiff uphill climb from Torrington to East Yarde.
Realising that I am not 21 again, culminated in a hot bath and early to bed with my favourite author LTC Rolt!.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane - (Diane stayed at home)
Today (22nd June2021) I revisited the Meeth to Bideford railway. The last time I was there was on one of the last specials run in the early eighties. I parked at the site of Petrockstowe Station, (known as Petrockstow without the ‘e’ during its railway history).
My previous trip was viewed from the carriage of a BR Mk 1, so the gradient didn’t really influence the comfort of the experience. However my latest visit involved cycling the 27 mile round trip to Bideford.
From Petrockstowe to Yarde Halt I passed the Peters Marland clay works which once contained a busy internal rail system, long gone with little to remind you of its presence. The gradient on this section was slightly up hill and generally follows a plateau. From East Yarde however the gradient steepens downhill until reaching the lengthy Iron Girder viaduct a few yards before entering Torrington station.
Here I stopped for a little light refreshment at the Puffing Billy Trading Co which has taken over the old station buildings.
The Tarka Valley railway group are busy trying to establish a base at Torrington and have laid a short length of track’ including an expensive set of points, laid in new materials, looking hopefully towards Bideford with the aim of re establishing a rail link between Torrington and Bideford. I continued through Landcross Tunnel and decided just short of Bideford that I should turn around and tackle the return journey which now included a stiff uphill climb from Torrington to East Yarde.
Realising that I am not 21 again, culminated in a hot bath and early to bed with my favourite author LTC Rolt!.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane - (Diane stayed at home)
A section of the Torrington Viaduct from an unusual angle. June 22nd 2021. Copyright Andrew Junes
A China Clay Hood at Torrington, just loaded at Peters Marland.. 'How i wish!' 22nd June 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones.
New pointwork Torrington Station 22nd June 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones.
A very smart nameplate on the Ruston&Hornsby 0-4-0DE. This was built in 1969. 22 June 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones.
Cavalier receiving attention 22nd June 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones. We are looking beyond to the road bridge which carries the steep climb up to Torrington village.
Landcross Tunnel, not for the faint hearted! 22nd June 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones. Horseshoe shaped in profile, the tunnel curves to the east throughout on a radius of about 40 chains. Built to host a single track, it features masonry sidewalls and a brick arch. Refuges were provided at regular intervals although these were fenced off as part of the tunnel’s conversion to host the Tarka Trail cycle path. Lighting was also installed. A number of telegraph wire brackets remain extant on the east-side.
Many thanks Andrew for a most interesting ride - have your legs recovered yet!
Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
45231 Sherwood forester approaches Stoke Canon on the 0949 Bristol to Kingswear special. 23rd June 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.
Cowley Bridge
Keith Turley
Keith Turley
Ex. LMS Black five class 4-6-0 No.45231 'Sherwood Forester' with class 47 No,47614 (47853) on the rear pass Cowley Bridg Junction on the 23rd June 2021. Copyright Keith Turley
Many thanks Keith.
Exeter
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
Pretty precise timing and excellent camerawork to catch this view of the returning train. 45231 Sherwood forester passes Okehampton Place St Thomas Exeter 1630 Kingswear to Bristol special . 23rd June 2021, Copyright Paul Barlow.
Well done and many thanks indeed Paul.