West Somerset Railway

We recently had a family holiday in Minehead, coincidentally (!) this was very close to the terminus of the West Somerset Railway. Minehead station is right on the sea-front between the town centre and the Butlins holiday camp. (I discovered Morrisons car-park is adjacent to the station throat, I think this is now my favourite supermarket car-park!)

It's a long line but we only travelled as far as Watchet, a pretty little fishing port with a short walk from the station to the harbour. This was originally the terminus of the (then broad gauge) branch until it was extended to Minehead, and was once busy with harbour sidings.

The line seemed quite popular, with three trains in service of about 8 coaches each, and they seemed busy enough. Some nice big locos in service too, and looking well kept.

Back at Minehead one loco seemed to be undergoing repair, conveniently opposite the platform!