Cornwall/devon 3 in 7 rover ticket

[Busterfridge]

Hi all,
I'm getting a 3 in 7 rover ticket for Cornwall and Devon, Mrs fridge is letting me loose while were visiting the area :roll:, I'm basing myself in Lostwithiel, my aim is to cover as many miles of new track within the boundaries of the ticket, primarily on the branch lines, the ticket won't let me start travelling until 9am, what I'm looking for is

1 Any ideas of day trips from that area,?
2 What are the staff like on the larger stations towards people with camera's ?
3 Does anyone know the location of good photographic viewpoints ?
4 Is it an easy walk from Dawlish to Dawlish warren ?
5 Any hints or tips for travelling round the west country ?

Thanks in advance, Mr Fridge

 

[Buttsy]

Hi all,
I'm getting a 3 in 7 rover ticket for Cornwall and Devon, Mrs fridge is letting me loose while were visiting the area :roll:, I'm basing myself in Lostwithiel, my aim is to cover as many miles of new track within the boundaries of the ticket, primarily on the branch lines, the ticket won't let me start travelling until 9am, what I'm looking for is

1 Any ideas of day trips from that area,?
2 What are the staff like on the larger stations towards people with camera's ?
3 Does anyone know the location of good photographic viewpoints ?
4 Is it an easy walk from Dawlish to Dawlish warren ?
5 Any hints or tips for travelling round the west country ?

Thanks in advance, Mr Fridge

4. Yes, but easier if the tide is out as you can walk along the sea wall all the way. I did Dawlish Warren - Dawlish. If you leave Dawlish station, there is an underpass to the beach & sea wall.
3. When walking the sea wall, you'll cut inside a headland with track up it. Atop this is where most of the sea wall pics are taken from towards Dawlish (you'll know what I mean when you get there).
1. St Ives is a lovely branch with a great little town at the end. Barnstaple line is always enjoyable, but will take time obviously. Looe is fantastic, but make sure you get a train that stops at Coombe Junction for that extra bit of mileage (09:58 from Liskeard).

 

[harry42]

Looe-Lisekard line is lovely. Staff at Lisekard have no problem I know of photographs. Penzance were a little edgy for me.

 

[Requeststop]

Looe-Lisekard line is lovely. Staff at Lisekard have no problem I know of photographs. Penzance were a little edgy for me.

My last trip down to Plymouth and Cornwall I had no problems in taking photo's at all the staffed stations I visited.

 

[CC 72100]

Hey, I hope you enjoy your time down there...

Note that unless things have changed recently, there are certain trains that you can use the ticket on before 9am - although I'm not sure how much of this helps you being based in Lostiwthiel.

To respond to a couple of your questions...

- Dawlish Warren to Dawlish (I just find it feels more natural in that direction) is easily walkable provided that the tides allow for it - a nice slow walk up the sea wall, perhaps stopping when a train goes post for a moment is recommended.

I've found St Ives and Looe to be really nice places, and they are two of the best branches in my view, so would recommend those too. With the limited time you've got, I wouldn't bother with Newquay (long time on a unit anyway), and I've never found Falmouth to be that exciting either. Did enjoy Gunnislake though, although once again that is at a slower pace.

Try to have once fast trip up into Devon on a HST too.

I've found that the staff in this part of the world are lovely providing your sensible, so usual sort of stuff applies.

 

[Temple Meads]

I've never had any hassle from proper (IE: not not NR contractors) railway staff while photting in the West Country, and most lines have lots to see and do, my only real advice would be to have a relaxed attitude, and not plan too heavily, I find Devon & Cornwall bashing to be far more fun if it's spontaneous, just don't miss the last train back

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Lostwithiel hasn't got the best service, but you can go 'via Bodmin Parkway,
An ancient Stannary town. A nice walk from the station across the ancient bridge over the R Fowey turn left and follow the river through the park, under the main line. The Fowey branch bridge is missing, (cost saving in the 70's). Hope you time it for a freight train to Fowey! Good view of the main line and the branch as you walk further down.
It is well off for pubs for a small town!!
Walking East along the main road there is a lane to Restormel Castle.
St Ives is a must, and plenty of time to do Penzance on the same day. Great views of St Michaels Mount from the railway.
I like the Newquay branch. The first bit is the most interesting, through St Blazey (round house turntable - only a glimpse) then through Ponts Mill then you ascend Luxulyan Valley and under a huge Aquaduct/ Viaduct. You have to creek your neck to see it! (RHS) Aquaduct still carries water to a Hydro electric plant (in a small wooden shed at Ponts Mill)
Then Goonbarrow Junction (Rocks Dries) After Roche numerous Level crossings, many open, and 10 mph etc. Plenty of pubs in Newquay. Spectacular beaches and coast.
Gunnislake is a must do imo. Good views along the Tamar, Tavy bridge, Calstock viaduct. Gunnislake station is at the top of a steep valley.
If you are waiting at Bodmin Parkway, there is an old carriageway (goes under the main line and disused sidings) that follows the R Fowey rear of the car park, leading to Lanhydrock house.

 

[yorksrob]

I agree with those saying St Ives. Beautiful.

St Michaels Mount is also wortth a visit - might need to check transport to Marazion from Penzance (and the tide times as you have to get across the causeway).

Looe is well worth a visit. Quite apart from the branch, the area itself is a beautiful little fishing town (although beware the seagulls as one stole my dad's sandwich !)

We also like the harbour area of Falmouth. It's a nice area for food and drink and Les Dennis castle is interesting to look around. (sorry - that should read Pendennis castle )

 

[IanD]

It's handy that the first train west at this time of year is at 0900 but not so handy going east at 1050 but you can head off to Par on the 0900 and double back for a bit earlier start. This would enable you to get the Looe train that calls at Coombe Halt.

You could easily cover all the mainline and branches covered by this ticket in 3 days if you don't want to look round any of the places you go.

If you do want to have look round then Looe would be top of my list. But honestly, with the exception of Gunnislake (but only because it's bit of a trek from the station to the town) all of the branch line terminus towns are worth a visit.

If you like beer, consider doing one of the rail ale trails http://www.railaletrail.com/ to visit some interesting pubs.

 

[richw]

Staff down here are very relaxed towards photographers. I've found making myself known to members of staff and if they're not busy they will actually help you and a couple I've found have even recommended the best places on the platforms to get photos of approaching trains from.
Lostwithiel isn't the greatest place due to the limited number of trains that call there will limit your planning.
Its hard to plan Cornwall as you wouldn't want to go to some of the towns in the rain, and then others are better if its a bit dull.

 

[Waldgrun]

We had Beer mentioned, but what about Pasties?
I recommend Choaks of Falmouth!

http://www.choakspasties.co.uk/

Some years back I was in their shop, the only customer, but when the Oven door was opened, and the freshly cooked pasty aroma hit the street! It seemed to me that the world and his wife came running!

 

[IanD]

We had Beer mentioned, but what about Pasties?
I recommend Chokes of Falmouth!

http://www.choakspasties.co.uk/

Some years back I was in their shop, the only customer, but when the Oven door was opened, and the freshly cooked pasty aroma hit the street! It seemed to me that the world and his wife came running!

Definitely - even better washed down with a pint or two of Skinners Ale.

 

[richw]

Choaks of Falmouth are up there amongst the best along with Philps of Hayle.

 

[Busterfridge]

Thanks to all for your help, some good tips ect, definitely going to 'do' all the branches I want, coombe junction halt is a definite, along with st ives and gunnislake, the walk from Dawlish to Dawlish warren will be done on a sunny day, also the ale trail link was excellent, it will be investigated thoroughly !! even Mrs Fridge fancy's a day on the rails and ale !!

 

[Cliveblackpool]

Philps of Hayle - lovely pasty! Walk under the viaduct, in the direction of Bird Paradise. Before you go up the hill to the Bird place, which has a home brew pub!
Rowes make good pasties too. If you fancy a change they make a vegetarian pasty with wholemeal pastry!
If you land up at St Austell, cross the bus/ carpark to the left, and turn sharp right (6 granite steps) - Lesley Nile's bakery is 100yds down the hill.
St Austell Brewery. Tribute is good, HSD 5% is a must drink beer.
If you are in Falmouth, Trago Mills, Arwenack Street close to Town Station is worth a visit!! The range of stock and prices are unbeatable. https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Ar...=d5SfZYU651KP0k5KQaNJag&cbp=12,63.11,,0,14.52