Lynton & Barnstaple Railway: A Journey Through Exmoor's Heritage
How Long Is the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway?
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway stretches across time as much as distance. Today, a restored one-mile (1.6 km) section operates between Woody Bay and Killington Lane, offering visitors a short but atmospheric steam journey through North Devon’s upland moorland.
Historically, this narrow-gauge line ran for 19 miles (31 km) between Barnstaple and Lynton. Though most of the original route was dismantled after closure in 1935, ambitious plans are in motion to restore further sections and reconnect more of this lost line through the heart of Exmoor.
The Railway Today: One Mile of Living History
The current operational line spans approximately one mile from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane Halt. Though short in distance, the journey delivers a rich sensory experience—engine steam rising into oak-lined skies, the distant call of moorland birds, and coastal breezes brushing across Exmoor’s high ridges.
This section is run by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust, a volunteer-led charity that has restored not only the track but also the spirit of this rural railway.
What Else Can Visitors Expect?
Woody Bay Station
Fully restored and beautifully kept, featuring a tea room, period waiting room, and scenic picnic areas.
Events & Steam Galas
Including heritage weekends, Halloween trains, and Santa Specials that draw families and enthusiasts alike.
Volunteer Opportunities
From driving trains to gardening, there’s a role for anyone passionate about preserving Devon’s transport history.
Gift Shop
Stocked with rail memorabilia, books, and Devon treats.
The Original Route: A 19-Mile Mountain Railway
When it first opened in 1898, the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway ran a 19-mile route between the market town of Barnstaple and the cliff-top village of Lynton. Traversing deep valleys, grazing farmland, and moorland edge, the line was a feat of engineering with tight curves and gradients of up to 1 in 50.
Although it closed in 1935, its legacy remains deeply woven into the Exmoor landscape, with traces of bridges, cuttings, and embankments still visible.
Looking Ahead: Future Extensions
The Trust’s long-term vision includes reconnecting Woody Bay to Blackmoor Gate, then gradually progressing toward Wistlandpound and eventually Lynton. Land acquisitions, feasibility studies, and volunteer-led track laying are underway in phases, supported by grants and private donations.
Visitors today are part of that journey—every ticket sold brings the railway one step closer to relinking more of its original path across Exmoor.
Conclusion
So, how long is the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway? As of today, it’s a one-mile operational route—but that’s just the beginning. This is a railway not just measured in miles, but in memories, community effort, and Exmoor’s enduring connection to its rural past. Whether you ride it for nostalgia or discovery, the L&B is a living story still being written on steel rails.
