Ashburton: back to the Future - South Devon Railway

Today’s South Devon Railway operates between Totnes and Buckfastleigh, a distance of about seven miles. It is an idyllic country branch line running beside the river Dart for much of the way. It was once part of a longer line, and continued from Buckfastleigh to Ashburton, just over two miles further.

Closed to passengers by British Railways in 1958, and to all traffic four years later, it was taken over by the Dart Valley Light Railway Company and reopened to passengers in 1969. However, the section to Ashburton did not reopen because the Ministry of Transport required the trackbed for construction of the Devon Expressway – the upgraded A38 between Exeter and Plymouth. The very last trains ran in October 1971, and the track was lifted soon after.

Most of Ashburton station survives today, although it looks very different. Bulliver Way, a footpath, occupies a short stretch of the trackbed. The return of trains to Ashburton is just a pipedream – or is it?

This illustrated talk will show the line from Buckfastleigh  during its working life, as well as the present-day situation. It will attempt to explore the possibilities of returning the rails to this Gateway to Dartmoor, more significant than ever in the light of Dartmoor National Park’s recent decision to abandon to Chuley Road Masterplan, which saw no place for the railway. 

The meeting takes place in Buckfastleigh Town Hall, and doors open at 7.00pm. You can use any town car park – they are free after 6.00pm – with Victoria Woodholme the nearest. The show itself starts at 7.30pm. Light refreshments and the usual prize draw will be available. Entry is free, so do come along for an entertaining and informative evening.