The Tarka Valley narrow gauge railway, Torrington, Devon, was originally opened in 1872 and over the years supported several major local industries including the Marland Brick and Clay Works. In 1925 the gauge was relaid to standard gauge and became known as the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway (ND&CJLR); but it closed in 1965.
In 2013 the Tarka Trail Valley Railway Group obtained planning permission to reinstate the railway from the Torrington Station, now known as Puffing Billy, towards Bideford up to the first iron bridge. The installation of the railway line will not affect the current popular recreational usage of the Tarka Trail, since the two will run safely alongside each other.
The first phase (which will cost circa £10k) will be to construct the partition between the railway line and the Tarka Trail.
The 2nd phase (which will cost circa £100k) will be to install the line railway line and necessary infrastructure to enable passengers to ride the scenic length of the line.
In Summer 2015 the group achieved charity status and are soon to add an online donations platform so that rail enthusiasts across the country can unite in donating to this most worthy cause!
The more rail the better!
Please visit their website HERE! for information about the industries along the line, history and restoration work so far and for the action plan. They are always looking for skilled volunteers and invite interested persons to contact them at: tarkavalleyrailway@gmail.com
Torrington Station, Great Torrington, Devon. EX38 8JD.
They are at the Puffing Billy site every Thursday working hard if you fancy popping-in and introducing yourself.
In 2013 the Tarka Trail Valley Railway Group obtained planning permission to reinstate the railway from the Torrington Station, now known as Puffing Billy, towards Bideford up to the first iron bridge. The installation of the railway line will not affect the current popular recreational usage of the Tarka Trail, since the two will run safely alongside each other.
The first phase (which will cost circa £10k) will be to construct the partition between the railway line and the Tarka Trail.
The 2nd phase (which will cost circa £100k) will be to install the line railway line and necessary infrastructure to enable passengers to ride the scenic length of the line.
In Summer 2015 the group achieved charity status and are soon to add an online donations platform so that rail enthusiasts across the country can unite in donating to this most worthy cause!
The more rail the better!
Please visit their website HERE! for information about the industries along the line, history and restoration work so far and for the action plan. They are always looking for skilled volunteers and invite interested persons to contact them at: tarkavalleyrailway@gmail.com
Torrington Station, Great Torrington, Devon. EX38 8JD.
They are at the Puffing Billy site every Thursday working hard if you fancy popping-in and introducing yourself.