Trifter

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Trains have been running to Looe since The Liskeard and Looe Railway opened in the final week of 1860, running from Moorswater (slightly to the West of Liskeard) to Looe. Passenger services did not commence until the autumn of 1879 but it was inconvenient because Moorswater was a distance from Liskeard Railway Station where passengers would connect with other services. Finally in 1901 a link to Liskeard Railway Station was opened so at last passengers could connect with Great Western mainline services. The Liskeard to Looe line was taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1909.

The pretty seaside town of Looe was promoted by the railway company as a holiday destination and the number of passengers using the line increased greatly. By 1960s the growth of the motor car and the attraction of foreign holidays led to a decline in passenger numbers and like so many other branch lines the Looe Valley Line was selected for closure in Beeching’s 1966 plan to reshape Britain’s railways. It seemed like the end of the line for Looe, but just two weeks before it was due to close  the route was saved by Barbara Castle the Minister of Transport.

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At Liskeard the train departs from a platform at right angles to mainline travelling north on the single track line. The line makes a big loop in order to travel south, passing under the Liskeard Viaduct which carries the Cornish Main Line.  The train passes Coombe Junction and comes to a halt at a small level crossing where the train will change direction with the train conductor operating the points. The train then continues to St Kew Wishing Well Halt.

Photo by Peter Whatley

Next is Causland Station, where it is still possible to see one of the locks of the old Liskeard and Looe Canal. On again to Sandplace Station, from there the line runs along the east side of the river, it is a tidal estuary and as you look out of the window you will see a wide variety of sea birds as well as some beautiful views.

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Looe station is a short walk from the town centre, there are some interesting shops, various places to eat and beautiful views of the harbour to enjoy. There is also a bus service to Polperro, a beautiful fishing village 4 miles from Looe.

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Please take a look at my other railway articles

Travel Back in Time on The North Norfolk Railway

Discover The Beauty of Norfolk on The Bittern Line

The Sleeper Train to Penzance  

A Preserved Railway Amid Beautiful Countryside  

Railway Memories