The Exe Valley Line. 
Stoke Canon to Dulverton via Tiverton

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

Stoke Canon This was a new station opened on 1st May 1885 in order to permit an interchange from the main Bristol and Exeter line and the branch. The original Stoke Canon station had been north of the branch junction.

Bamford Speke Halt  18Ml 44Ch from Morebath Jct

Bamford Speke - the single platform was on the west of the line and opened with the line in 1885. Although it once boasted a signalbox this closed in 1907. It was closed twice during world war 1 and staffing ceased in 1923 when it bacame a halt. The station building became a house and the former station masters house became a private dwelling. This picture in 1963 by Sid Sponheimer Copyright.

Thorverton 16Ml 52 Ch

At the time this picture was taken in 1963 steam was being ousted by diesel. The station in an area with no bus services was one of the best used on the line. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Thorverton. A class 22 calls - this train probably went as far as Bampton before turning back. Taken on last day of the line in 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Up Exe Halt

Mike Roach Ticket Collection

Burn Halt  13Ml 75Ch

Burn Halt with its simple platform but rather large namboard served a nearby farm and also the village of Butterleigh - hence the large nameboard. This picture taken on the last day of trains in 1963 shows the relatively large trains which ran on this section. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Cadeleigh 12Ml 45Ch

This station opened on 1 May 1885 to serve the villages of Cadeleigh and Bickleigh and was therefore known as 'Cadeleigh and Bickleigh' until 1 May 1906 when it was changed to just 'Cadeleigh'. As a passing place it had two platforms and also a busy goods yard. After the railway was closed it was used first by the county council, then in 1997 it was sold and is houses the Devon Railway Centre. A highly recommended collection of narrow and standard gauge railway items. There are two passenger carrying narrow gauge railways. 

It's 1963 and the last day as a solitary passenger moves up the platform with the train. No doubt he would have no difficulty in finding a seat! The main station building on the left remains in use as part of the Devon Railway Centre complex. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Looking back from a train heading for Tiverton and beyond. The goods shed on the right now forms an engine shed for the railway centre. This train will soon cross over the river Exe on a substantial bridge. Maybe, one hopes, that before long Devon Railway centre trains will head this way towards Tiverton. This picture 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Cadleigh as we found it on 26th June 1976.It is now an operational narrow gauge railway centre - well worth a visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

Mike Roach ticket Collection

Exe Valley Auto in 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

West Exe  9Ml 23Ch

A photograph taken by Sid Sponheimer in 1963. No doubt the youngsters find that having their picture taken is a bit of a laugh! Seriously though, one can clearly see where the platform was almost doubled in length in May 1937. The station halt which opened in 1928 was much patronised by workers from Heathcoat's Mill. Copyright.

'Take Courage' the poster says, not needed if you travel by train! Our train has left a collection of adult passengers on the platfom as it heads for Tiverton. The halt was unstaffed usually but on occasions a porter was sent from Tiverton to sell and collect tickets. The hut must have been his office. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Tiverton 8Ml 54Ch

1450 approaching Tiverton on the 7th September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

A train from Exeter approaches Tiverton station. 1963 Copyright Mike Roach.

Tiverton station exterior.Your train awaits you! An interesting collection of cars and motorcycles too. A most interesting view caught by Mike Roach in 1962. (Copyright)

Tiverton station, look at that very grand covered footbridge - the' Tivvy Bumper' awaits to take you to Tiverton Junction and your main line connection. Copyright Mike Roach

Tiverton 1442 at Tiverton Known affectionately as The Tivvy Bumper, 1442 hauled the last train to Tiverton in October 1965. Seen here in the very early days of preservation before it was surrounded by a sunstantial metal fence and long before its removal to the cover of the museum. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

One of the most popular exhibits in Tiverton Museum is the Great Western Railway steam locomotive number 1442 of the 1400 Class, known as the "Tivvy Bumper". The locomotive was in operation between 1934 and 1965, with its latter years spent transporting passengers between Tiverton and the old Tiverton Junction station at Willand; the engine serving this route was known by locals as the "Tivvy Bumper". The locomotive on display was originally located outside on Blundell's Road in Tiverton, having been purchased by Lord Amory in 1965, but it was moved to the museum in 1978 to protect it from the weather.It is now housed in the Authers Gallery, which was constructed around the engine.This gallery features other exhibits related to road and rail transport in Mid Devon, including bicycles, and signalling equipment. Museum visitors can stand inside the locomotive's cab.

Tiverton 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

A very interesting ticket offering two routes, if they were only possible now. Mike Roach Ticket Collection

Bolham Halt  6Ml 58Ch

No disabled access for Bolham, a steep path is all that is provided. See the ominous Public Notice of closure of the line and this is on the last day. The line closed on the 7th October 1963 Sad days, picture dated 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

However steep and maybe slippery the path to the platform the elderly gentleman looking out for his train has made it. Quite a generous waiting shelter. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Cove Halt  3Ml 45Ch

Cove Halt, this was for passgeners in 1924. There was a road level crossing to the left, and beyond this a siding facing Exeter. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Cove Halt, a charming picture as a young family make their way of the platform and home. The level crossing is behind the camera. 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Cove. The crossing keepers cottage and signal cabin have survived to form a very attractive residence complete with the level crossing keepers box. The box controlled the crossing and access to a siding off the main track to the right of this location. This picture dated 26th June 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bampton (Devon) 1Ml 49Ch

Bampton station and signalbox. The goods yard and signalbox were located to the south of the station. Copyright Mike Roach

Bampton, the goods shed and box. The siding to the left formerly served a quarry. Copyright Mike Roach

Bampton station in diesel days - the class 22 is running round its train in readiness for its return to Exeter. From the amount of interest you'll guess that this is the last day of operation in 1963. Beyond lies the goods shed, the lines to the left of this once served a quarry. sidings even further left behind the station served a loading dock. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

This picture is the valiant machine on which Sid Sponheimer chased the class 63 hauled trains on that last day. Copyright.

Morebath Jct and Halt.

The double line to the right is the Exe Valley line - this closed 7th October 1963. the line ahead is to Norton Fitzwarren & Taunton. The loop here was lengthened in 1937 but later closed, along with the signalbox on 29th April 64. The single line left was closed 3rd October 1966. Trains from the Exe Valley line ran on to Dulverton. (See the Barnstaple - Taunton section) Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Morebath Junction Halt. Morebath Junction signalbox can be seen in the distance. Note the commencement of the loop. 1963. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.