The cost of creating the existing operational railway - Woody Bay to Killington Lane - has been high; estimates put the figure at well over £1m.
As we now have the vital planning applications to allow us to extend the railway from Killington Lane to Wistlandpound, we are now seeking funding to apply for a Transport & Works Act Order which will give us the powers to construct and operate the extended line.
With the planning permission now in place, the funding and the TWO are required so that construction of the extension can begin.
The intention then is to relocate our operational base to Blackmoor.
Once this phase is complete, we will then rebuild the L&B back to Caffyns and on to Lynton itself.
We now have a successful operating railway and can ably demonstrate that rebuilding the L&B is not only feasible and possible, but also of great benefit not only to the people of Exmoor but to Devon and beyond.
As no heritage railway or indeed the national rail network has ever funded any extension from current revenue - the L&BR will certainly be no exception.
To see maps and photos of this proposed section click on the links below
This is destined to be the third phase of reconstruction and although it will take some time to undertake, plans are already being drawn up for its accomplishment when the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway will once more link the two towns in its name
To see maps and photos of this proposed section click on the links below
The Lynton & Barnstaple Trust is assisted in its aim of rebuilding the railway by an associated but independent company Exmoor Associates who have purchased the section of trackbed at Higher Bodley for eventual reinstatement of the railway by the L&BR Trust over this section.
The trackbed at Higher Bodley
In 1951 the Tallylyn, a narrow-gauge steam railway in rural mid-Wales became the world's first preserved railway. Tom Rolt, the General Manager, wrote a book entitled "Railway Adventure" about those early days of railway preservation. The closure and subsequent loss of the L&B has often been cited as the inspiration for today’s heritage railway movement. After "sleeping" for more than 70 years the revival of the Lynton & Barnstaple - once considered impossible - is happening and with it the heritage railway movement has come full circle - hence the "Last Railway Adventure".