~West Somerset Railway~
18th May 2011
It was too difficult for me to ignore the proximity of one of the UK's premier preserved railways for another day. It's day three of the short holiday in Somerset and the drive to Bishop Lydeard, near Taunton led to a 40 mile round trip behind steam locomotives and across mixed terrain close to the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel.
Crowcombe Heathfield Station
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day....
No.3850
Here comes our freshly watered locomotive. Lack of reliable wi-fi in the hotel means I can't research the locomotive's history.
Bishop Lydeard
The former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway station at Bishop Lydeard has two platforms. Loops and other twin platformed stations allow the WSR to run a frequent service, five trains in each direction today; eight both ways at peak times.
Crowcombe Heathfield Station
A feature of the line are the immaculately presented stations, pity about the bin.
Class 47 "North Star" at Williton
Trains Passing at Williton
Single line tokens exchanged and the two trains can continue their journeys. Commuters around London may look on enviously at these high capacity trains of eight carriages with plenty of seats. Good facilities for less able passengers and carers are also provided.
Morris Traveller
And it's not just the locomotives and rolling stock that are kept in good order.
Dunster to Minehead
A straight line to Minehead. For some it's the journey, for others it's the destination. How would Minehead measure up? We have two hours to fill and last time we got off at Dunster and visited the castle, but this time it's the complete journey.
The Owls Restaurant
We had our lunch at the Owls Restaurant above Bargain Books. On the journey from Bishop Lydeard we passed under the cold front that was due to give us some rain and a dull day. Well, it did drizzle a bit and the skies are grey, but at least it's not raining here in Minehead!
Minehead Town Hall
I think two hours in Minehead is plenty of time to take it all in.
Minehead Beach and North Hill
Minehead Station
No. 4160
The Driver
SDJR No.88 will haul us back to Bishop Lydeard, tender first. The engine brought the train in and is now running round to the other end to couple up.
Heading Home
This train terminates at Bishop Lydeard and the engine will remain there until tomorrow. One later departure at 17.35 from Minehead is a Diesel train. We will pass the last train to Minehead at Williton.
Trains Passing at Williton
Williton is the central point of the railway. It is home to the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (often open at weekends).
Farmers Arms, Combe Florey
After the rail journey, we had a meal at The Farmers Arms, at Combe Florey, just north of Bishop Lydeard.
Weather and conditions: Cloudy, mainly dry.
Richard's Refreshment Review: We can recommend both The Oaks Restaurant in Minehead and on a different scale, The Farmers Arms, Combe Florey. Great service and food in both venues.
Take me back to the start ....