Other Attractions
The Dartmoor Railway
Dartmoor Railway is more than a train
journey. it is the ideal way to explore the beautiful countryside
of mid-Devon and the dramatic north flank of Dartmoor. Combine
your trip on the train with a walk or cycle ride. or simply
enjoy the views from the train. Dartmoor Railway is part
of the former Southern Railway main line from London Waterloo
to Plymouth and Cornwall, once the route of the famous Atlantic
Coast Express and the Devon Belle Pullman.
A scenic journey taking you through the rolling mid-Devon
countryside from Exeter or Sampford Courtenay to Meldon,
the highest railway station in southern England and inside
the National Park, where you may walk across the impressive
Meldon Viaduct and enjoy panoramic views of the highest
Tors of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor Pony trains from Okehampton run
at weekends all year round and daily during the summer holidays,
as well as certain other weekdays.
Dartmoor Sunday Rover trains run between
Exeter and Okehampton on summer Sundays only.
Special Events take place throughout the
year.
Okehampton Station
The centre of the railway is the beautifully restored
Okehampton Station. There is a large and very well stocked
shop which has an extensive range of models, books, videos,
and gifts. We probably now have the most extensive range
of railway books and model railways in the South West. The
buffet and cycle hire are open daily.
Meldon Station
The highest in southern England from where there are dramatic
views of the highest Dartmoor peaks Yes Tor and High Willhays,
also of the Meldon Reservoir Dam. On the way there from
Okehampton (some 2¼ miles) you pass the Norman ruins
of Okehampton Castle, through the Estrayer Park Tunnel,
and just before the station you can view the extensive workings
of Meldon Quarry.
Meldon Viaduct & Visitors Centre
The historic Meldon Viaduct is restored and provides spectacular
views all around. Nearby is the Visitor Centre which holds
an exhibition of photos and artefacts explaining the history
of the Railway and the Viaduct itself, also a model railway
depicting Okehampton Station in its heyday of the 1 950s.
The Centre is open at the same times as the Buffet, adjoining
it is a large picnic area with toilets and changing facilities.
Sampford Courtenay Station
Some 31 miles east of Okehampton towards Exeter this small
country station is in the process of being renovated and
should reopen during this Summer. It will provide access
to a variety of walks and cycle routes for exploring the
unspoilt Devon countryside and villages in this area.
 Friends
of Dartmoor Railway
Join the Friends of Dartmoor Railway to support this unique
project, enjoy discounts and receive a regular newsletter.
Ask a member of staff for an
application form
Information on Routes to Cycle
From our base at Okehampton Station you have a choice
of routes to cycle, all with superb scenery.
The most popular choice is to take the new National Cycle
Network Route 27, the "Granite Way". This gives
I1 miles of mainly traffic free cycle route directly from
the end of the station. The first 2 miles parallels our
railway line, to the visitor centre, buffet and picnic area
at Meldon Viaduct. Crossing the viaduct, you may then follow
the old railway for a further 3.5 miles to Lake Viaduct
- this section has dramatic views of Dartmoor to one side
and across into Cornwall to the other. From Lake you may
continue via roads and a further mile of cycleway towards
Lydford, with its Norman Castle and Gorge.
Other routes include the "military road" onto
the moor itself, for the more adventurous, or through the
town to Abbeyford Woods for some off road biking in a pleasant
environment. Our staff will be happy to advise you on suitable
routes to take.
Group Bookings & Parties
Trains may be hired for special events such as childrens'
parties, family occasions, or group bookings, and can include
catering and entertainment. We can provide a historical
talk and/or a tour of Meldon Viaduct and Quarry if required.
Dartmoor Railway Cycle Hire
Cycle the Granite Way from Okehampton Station to Lydford
This mainly traffic free II mile cycleway parallels the
Dartmoor Railway line to Meldon Viaduct, then continues
on the old railway trackbed along the northern edge of Dartmoor,
with dramatic views of Dartmoor and towards Cornwall.
| |
Full Day (1000
- 1730) |
Half Day (1300
- 1730 ) |
| Adults |
£9.50 |
£7.00 |
| Children |
£6.00 |
£4.00 |
| Trailer/trailer bike |
£7.50 |
£5.00 |
| Helmet |
£1.00 |
£1.00 |
| A tool kit and lock and chain are supplied
to each family or group of cyclists. Discounted rates
for large familys/groups. |
 Opening
Times
Okehampton Station
Shop, Buffet and Cycle Hire
Daily 10.00---17.00 (excluding 25/26 Dec)*
Okehampton Buffet is open for drinks and snacks daily, and
full meals on days when trains are running.
Meldon Buffet and Visitor Centre
Sat/Sun 11.00---17.00 March to October
Sat/Sun 11.00---16.00 November to February
Weekdays 11.00---17.00 1st July to 30th September and other
days when trains are running.
Cycle Hire at Okehampton
Daily 10.00---17.00 (excluding 25/26 Dec)*
* Sundays 18th May to 21st September open
09.30 - 18.30
Disabled Access - There is full wheelchair access throughout
Okehampton Station, and at Meldon in the visitor centre
and toilet facilities. Our trains and Meldon buffet have
partial access.
Parking - There is ample parking for cars and coaches at
Okehampton, limited parking at Sampford Courtenay Station,
and no road access to Meldon Station.
Cycles and dogs are carried free on trains.
Footplate rides may be booked (in advance only) - an ideal
special present.
Toilets - available at Okehampton and Meldon.
 Contact
Us
Address:-
Dartmoor Railway Ltd,
Okehampton Station,
OKEHAMPTON,
Devon, EX20 I EJ
Telephone:-
General Enquiries 01837 55637
Recorded Information (24hrs) 01837 55667
Produced jointly with DCC |
