I made an early start as I wanted to visit the South Devon Railway again, it’s been quite a few years since I was last there. The drive down wasn’t too bad but I still ended up rushing a bit to get sorted and get a ticket before the first train departed. I opted to sit in the Autocoach, although it wasn’t being used as such; these have a cabin at the front where a driver can control the loco via a system of rods and cables to avoid the loco having to run round the train at termini. I have been on them when they’ve been in operation and it’s a slightly odd experience but this time the train was too long for it to be used.
The driver’s cabin
It’s a pleasant run from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, with much of it by the river, although the view is slightly spoilt in places by a sewage works and water treatment plant.
Typically the weather, having been fine all morning, turned to drizzle just as wet got off the train but it didn’t last for too long. I had a quick look round the small museum and the model shop but opted out of the tea room in favour of the refreshments hut by the car park - when in the South West it’s compulsory to have a pasty (and very nice it was too, plenty of meat and just peppery enough). I had a further wander, the miniature railway was supposed to be operating but there was no sign of any action so I guess they’d gone to lunch but there were a few people operating trains at the garden railway club.
I took a photo of this tank engine which bore no makers plates as it could have been from our namesakes, Peckett and Sons of Bristol, but it turns out it was built by Hunslets in Leeds.
The train crossing over the car park entrance
The drive across Dartmoor to my accommodation for the next few days was interesting in places, at one point the rain came on so heavily I had to slow right down and much of it was on single track roads but I got here safely. The Dartmoor Inn is a gastropub with the emphasis on the gastro but it seems pleasant enough. One oddity is the breakfast is complimentary but not necessarily served every day as it depends on staffing - in practice there’s only Monday where it may be an issue and there’ll be juice and pastries available. Meals aren’t cheap, and are mainly flame grilled steaks, so I might not eat here every day but I’d booked for this evening and tomorrow. The burger I had tonight was excellent, and the triple cooked chips were perfect, but for £21 it should be good!
I was lucky enough to score a room upgrade, I’d booked the smallest and cheapest room but as they’re not full he’s given me one of the larger ones - all I’ll say is that the other room must have been tiny!
