A visit to the Dartmoor Railway, at Okehampton resulted in an early start of 06.30hrs from Penzance to connect with the 09.30 Western Greyhound 510 service from Exeter St David's to Okehampton, incidentally this bus travels into Cornwall and terminates at Wadebridge. Arriving Okehampton at 10.20 there is a steep climb from the town centre all the way to the railway station, taking nearly 15 mins. The 10.47 Departure was the first train of the day stopping at Sampford Courtenay and Bow. On route sheep on the track which had broken through the fences caused delays. Unfortunately at Bow due to the severe difference in height between the train and the platform passengers are not allowed to leave the train. Luckily the very friendly guard offered to take photos at Bow for me. We were served complimentary light refreshments at Bow, bottles of beer, squash and biscuits which went down very well. the refreshments being provided by the station owners. Returning from Bow the train stopped at Okehampton before running to Meldon Quarry. It was disappointing that the passenger numbers were very low, basically in single figures. It was good to see that the refreshment room at Okehampton was doing good business. The basic Saturday Timetable is two return trips from Meldon Quarry to Bow, one return to Sampford Courtenay and then a return working between Okehampton and Meldon Quarry.
The Sunday service has 5 First Great Western trains operating through from Exeter these being in connection with the Sunday Dartmoor Rover Ticket priced at £10. This ticket, for the first time allows travel on all lines in Devon only on First Great Western services.
On Sundays The Dartmoor Railway operates Six departures from Okehampton to Meldon Quarry and return.
A most enjoyable day was had travelling the line and many thanks must go to all the volunteers involved in its organisation.
The Sunday service has 5 First Great Western trains operating through from Exeter these being in connection with the Sunday Dartmoor Rover Ticket priced at £10. This ticket, for the first time allows travel on all lines in Devon only on First Great Western services.
On Sundays The Dartmoor Railway operates Six departures from Okehampton to Meldon Quarry and return.
A most enjoyable day was had travelling the line and many thanks must go to all the volunteers involved in its organisation.
140531i Former Hampshire Unit 1132 calls at Okehampton, next stop is Sampford Courtenay then Bow. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531i Former Hampshire Unit 1132 calls at Sampford Courtenay on route to Bow. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531s The Hampshire unit awaits departure at 10.58 to Bow. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531t Sampford Courtenay nameboard. Not an original. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531j With the track now raised (to improve the headroom at an adjacent bridge) we look down on North Tawton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531k Approaching Bow Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.
140531l Passengers are not allowed to detrain at Bow owing to the low platform. The guard kindly offered to take these pictures. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531m Awaiting departure at Bow. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531o It must be the only three lettered station in the country! True or False? Copyright Roger Winnen
140531p The sun broke through looking west from Okehampton footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531q Approaching Meldon 47701 Waverley is attached to Mk Two rolling stock. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531r The 12.52 departure awaiting passengers at Meldon Quarry. Copyright Roger Winnen
140531s Jorneys end with the blocked up Engine Shed at Meldon. Copyright Roger Winnen