Bodmin & Wenford Railway
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a 6½-mile standard-gauge heritage railway in Cornwall, the only line in the county to connect with the national network. From its headquarters at Bodmin General trains run east to Bodmin Parkway on the GWR main line (interchanging with CrossCountry services to Penzance), and west to Boscarne Junction, where the Camel Trail walking and cycling route can be joined.
The line was originally part of the GWR Bodmin branch, opened to Bodmin General in 1887. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1967, but freight continued until 1983. The Bodmin Railway Preservation Society negotiated to take over the closed line and ran the first preserved trains in 1990. Through running from Bodmin General down the steep gradient to Bodmin Parkway is a particular feature, with all trains banked or hauled by additional locomotives on the climb back up.
The fleet is predominantly former British Railways diesels and a small selection of resident steam locomotives, with regular visiting engines for galas. Most regular services are diesel-hauled.
History
The Bodmin Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1984 with the aim of taking over the closed Bodmin branch. After several years of fundraising, agreements were reached with British Rail and the first preserved passenger services from Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway ran in 1990. The line west to Boscarne Junction reopened in 1996.
Subsequent improvements have included the rebuilding of the locomotive shed, the development of the carriage and wagon facility, and station restoration at all three stops.
Original line history
The original branch was promoted as the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway in the 1830s, one of the very earliest railways in the south-west, but the through line preserved today is the later GWR Bodmin branch from Bodmin Road (later Bodmin Parkway) to Bodmin General, opened in 1887, and the connecting GWR line on to Wadebridge via Boscarne Junction (1888).
British Rail closed the branch to passengers in 1967 under the Beeching cuts; freight continued for clay and goods until 1983, after which the line was offered for sale.
Stations and infrastructure
Bodmin General is the headquarters, with locomotive shed, carriage works, and station buildings restored in GWR style. Bodmin Parkway is the eastern terminus, sharing the platforms with Network Rail. Boscarne Junction is a simple intermediate platform alongside the Camel Trail.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Annual events include a Diesel Gala, a Steam Gala, Real Ale Trains, 1940s Weekends, and Santa Specials. The line is also a popular charter venue for private dining trains.
Visitor information
The railway operates daily during peak summer and selected days otherwise. Bodmin General is signposted from the A30 and A38; pedestrian and cycle access from the Camel Trail at Boscarne Junction is also popular.