Description
Starting at the site of Lyme Regis station on a gloriously sunny day, the course of this line is followed as closely as possible as it heads north through Uplyme. The majority of the track bed is explored on foot all the way to Axminster, taking in the extraordinary Cannington viaduct and the only intermediate station of Combpyne along the way. Effort was put in to featuring as many of the remaining brick and concrete structures as possible.
Permission was granted to access and film the station area at Combpyne and a section of the track bed leading north from there. The property owner at Combpyne station had an original invitation to an “opening of the line celebration” which he kindly allowed to be featured here. Various other sections were obtained permission for, giving a good flavour of what most of the remaining track bed looks like so many years after closure. Plenty of stunning views across the Devon and Dorset countryside were taken, showing what would have been visible to the rail traveller of days gone by and a few relics or pieces of “treasure” are found along the way and featured.
Close attention to detail is paid at the Cannington viaduct, showing the subsidence that occurred just before the opening of the line and the peculiar looking “jack arch” that was constructed to halt any further movement at the western end. Numerous views at different times of day are included.
The building of the current day A35 cut across the course of the track near Axminster and this exact point is shown. As the line curves towards the current day Axminster station, the embankment and missing bridge are highlighted. A struggle through the undergrowth at Axminster station brings the viewer right up to the platform where the passengers from Lyme Regis would have alighted. Views from the footbridge show the passenger platform on the north side of the station and the goods yard on the south side.
Includes constant, well-informed commentary and reference to a vintage map.
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