Remains of The Line
Today the line can still be seen in places, although much of it is private property. The former station at Watchet is in use today (2002) as flats, "Old Station House", and the nearby goods shed survives also.
The line runs parallel to the West Somerset Railway from Watchet to Washford where it forms a foot and cycle path. Washford station has been demolished and a bungalow is on the site. The line then curves south west, partly in the form of a road, past Cleeve Abbey and Roadwater, where the station buildings survive (2002) with an extension to form a bungalow. The line continues to Comberow. The siding group that was at the foot of the incline is clearly identifiable here at Comberow, to the west of the bridge that carried the incline, as does the station master's house and traces of the platform (2002). Part of the line northwards from there seems to be a footpath.
The incline from there is not visible because of tree growth and it is difficult to get access to it without unreasonable encroachment on private property, although the OS map shows a public footpath crossing the incline about two-thirds of the way up.
The remains of the summit winding house can be approached but are dangerous to enter: they are located just west of the junction of the B3224 and B3190 roads. A chapel built to attend to the spiritual needs of the miners and their families still stands at the junction.
The line is located in the Exmoor National Park, and funds have been made available for conservation through the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources. Work has been undertaken on the incline winding house and trees cleared from the incline.
The line continued west to Gupworthy with modest earthworks, and bridge abutments can be seen where minor roads cross the alignment.
There is a private house at the former Gupworthy station (at SS963356); this was the railway house and the alignment is visible there.
The incline site is now owned by Exmoor National Park; it is a grade II listed site.
Read more about this topic: West Somerset Mineral Railway
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