One of Devon's forgotten railways left deserted for more than 50 years still holds remnants of its once bustling former past. Findings by Dr Richard Beeching resulted in the closure of 2,363 stations and 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of railway line. This accounted for 55 per cent of stations and 30 per cent of route miles across Great Britain, with a significant number of these being in Devon.
The Devon and Somerset Railway, also known as DandSR, used to stretch from Taunton in Somerset to Barnstaple in Devon, passing through Norton Fitzwarren, Wiveliscombe, Dulverton, South Molton before finally reaching Barnstaple. Despite serving local communities until 1966, the line was considered relatively unimportant due to the mainly rural areas it served. Over time, passenger numbers decreased, making the line economically unsustainable.
However, traces of the old railway can still be seen today. The pillars of Castle Hill viaduct now support the A361 North Devon link road, while large stretches of flattened earth along the route serve as a stark reminder of the trains that once travelled these tracks. On the outskirts of the market town of Wiveliscombe and the neighbouring village of Waterrow, remnants of the old railway era stand tall: five massive towers that once formed the Waterrow Viaduct at Venn Cross.
These architectural marvels, gradually being enveloped by the encroaching woods, stand at a majestic 101 feet tall and once spanned an impressive 148 meters across the valley, effort.
