South Devon Railway (heritage)
The South Devon Railway is a 7-mile standard-gauge heritage railway in Devon, running between Buckfastleigh (the headquarters) and Totnes Riverside (immediately adjacent to Totnes Network Rail station, with cross-platform interchange to GWR services). The line follows the picturesque River Dart through countryside that has changed remarkably little since the Great Western Railway opened the original Ashburton branch in 1872.
The line was the southern half of the former GWR Totnes–Ashburton branch (the northern section to Ashburton was severed in 1971 when the A38 dual carriageway was built across the trackbed). The original Dart Valley Railway company reopened the line in 1969, making it one of the earliest standard-gauge preservation operations, and trades on a strong, deliberately maintained GWR character with restored GWR signage, GWR-liveried locomotives, and authentic GWR rolling stock.
History
The Dart Valley Railway company was formed in 1965 and reopened the line from Totnes to Buckfastleigh in 1969, the second standard-gauge preserved railway to enter regular operation (after Bluebell). The northern section to Ashburton was lost when the A38 was built across the trackbed in 1971. The operation transferred to the South Devon Railway Trust (charity) in 1991. A connection to the Network Rail at Totnes was maintained throughout, allowing main-line steam excursions to use the line.
Original line history
The line was the GWR Ashburton branch, opened in 1872 as a broad-gauge line and converted to standard gauge in 1892. It was always a quiet rural branch but survived as a passenger line until 1958. Freight continued to Ashburton until 1962.
Stations and infrastructure
Buckfastleigh is the headquarters, with substantial GWR-style station buildings, locomotive shed, and works. Totnes Riverside is a modern terminus immediately adjacent to the Network Rail station. Staverton is a beautifully preserved intermediate stop frequently used for filming.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Major events include steam galas, dining trains (the South Devon Belle), 1940s weekends, beer festivals, and Santa Specials. The line is a frequent film location.
Visitor information
Totnes Riverside is across the river from the Network Rail station; the heritage railway is well-signposted from the GWR platforms.