Gunnislake

Thanks to a friend of ours pointing out that Wessex Trains on the Tamar Valley Line have a special fares promotion on at the moment we decided to have another railway day out.

"The Great Westcountry Branch Line Offer will run on Saturdays and Sundays during January and February. In each case the Line Ranger is reduced to £1 (£3 on the ‘Tarka Line’ to Barnstaple), giving the freedom to travel all day long. There is so much to see and do: shopping, visit friends, explore new places, or simply sit back and enjoy stunning scenery that can only be seen from the train."

The fare for the whole day was £1 which gave unlimited travel all day on the line. Excellent value! We only had time for one trip out and back and it was my sons first trip of any length on a train so we kept it nice and easy. Picture above is my son Zak and the train we had just caught sitting at Gunnislake Station. Zak really enjoyed it but he does have difficulty seeing anything out of the window as he is too small! A passenger did lend him a cusion for part for the journey and the rest of it was sat on my rolled up coat so at least he saw some of the outstanding views from the train.

© Copyright Simon Lewis from West Country Views great selection of free photos to download.

If you ever get the chance to try this line then it is highly recommended. The views of most of the journey are stunning. The very last bit from Calstock to Gunnislake is taken very slowly as it winds up a quite steep hillside and has to stop to cross a roads. No real views a such but it is still an interesting section. We will certainly be taking advantage of the promotion again as it runs until the last weekend in February. Next time we will stop at Bere Ferrers or Bere Alston and have a go on one of the many walks being promoted locally.
didbygraham