Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

St Ives Bay Line

The St Ives Bay Line is a 4.25-mile (6.84 km) branch railway line in Cornwall, England, running from St Erth to St Ives along the northern shore of the Hayle estuary and the coast of St Ives Bay, renowned for its dramatic seascapes and as one of Britain's most picturesque rail routes.^[1]^[2] Opened on 1 June 1877 by the West Cornwall Railway, it was the last new broad-gauge (7 ft or 2,134 mm) passenger line constructed in the country, authorised by Parliament in 1873 at a cost of £70,000 with significant land donations from local landowners.^[3] The line features a single track with five stations—St Erth, Lelant Saltings, Lelant, Carbis Bay, and St Ives—and includes engineering highlights such as the 78-yard Carbis Viaduct, built from local Towednack granite to span a 78-foot-high valley.^[1]^[3] Converted to standard gauge (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) between 20 and 23 May 1892, the line initially supported the local fishing and mining industries but faced closure threats during the 1963 Beeching cuts, only to be preserved through advocacy that highlighted its economic and tourism value.^[3] Today, it operates as a community railway under the management of Great Western Railway (GWR), with services running frequently in a journey time of about 13–15 minutes and carrying over 775,000 passengers annually as of 2023/24, boosted by 68% growth since 2001.^[4]^[2]^[5]^[6] Facilities like park-and-ride at St Erth (upgraded in 2019 and now handling up to 2,000 passengers per day during summer peaks as of 2025) and Lelant Saltings help alleviate road congestion to the popular seaside destination of St Ives, while the route's biodiversity supports birdwatching along the estuary.^[3]^[1]^[7]

Overview

Description and Route

The St Ives Bay Line is a 4.25-mile (6.84 km) branch railway connecting St Erth station to St Ives in Cornwall, England.^[1] It diverges from the Cornish Main Line at St Erth and serves as a single-track route throughout its entirety, providing access to the coastal town of St Ives.^[2] The line's path begins by paralleling the Hayle estuary before curving along the shoreline of St Ives Bay, offering passengers views of the surrounding dunes and sea.^[8] Key landmarks include its closeness to beaches like Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay, as well as engineering features such as the 78-yard-long Carbis Viaduct, which spans 78 feet high with four 40-foot arches, and the Porthminster Viaduct near St Ives.^[3]^[9] Operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), the line functions as a community railway that highlights its scenic qualities to attract tourists while supporting local travel needs.^[10] As of 2025, it remains a designated community rail partnership, emphasizing sustainable tourism and economic benefits for the region.^[2]

Significance and Usage

The St Ives Bay Line holds a unique place in British railway history as the last new broad-gauge passenger line to open in the country, commencing operations on June 1, 1877.^[11] This distinction underscores its role as a late-era achievement of the broad-gauge era pioneered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, before the nationwide conversion to standard gauge in the 1890s.^[1] In contemporary times, the line serves as the primary rail access to St Ives, offering tourists a convenient alternative to congested roads, particularly during peak summer seasons when parking and traffic in the town become challenging.^[12] It supports local commuting between St Erth, Lelant, Carbis Bay, and St Ives, while also facilitating access to birdwatching opportunities at the nearby Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve, a renowned RSPB site teeming with waders, ducks, and winter migrants.^[13] The scenic coastal route enhances its appeal, drawing visitors who appreciate the views of beaches and the sea without the environmental footprint of additional vehicle traffic. Economically, the line significantly bolsters St Ives' visitor economy by promoting rail travel that highlights the area's artistic heritage and natural beauty, contributing an estimated £5.9 million annually and supporting about 5% of local jobs through tourism as of 2018.^[14] Integration with a park-and-ride facility at St Erth, established in June 2019, has further encouraged modal shift from cars, easing access for day-trippers and overnight visitors alike.^[15] The line's environmental significance lies in its promotion of sustainable travel along Cornwall's ecologically sensitive coastline, helping to reduce car dependency in an area prone to overtourism pressures and supporting broader low-carbon initiatives.^[16] Designated as a community railway by the Department for Transport in June 2005, it benefits from targeted promotions such as the Rail Ale Trail, launched that year to encourage exploration of local pubs and breweries via train, fostering community engagement and repeat visits.^[17]^[18]

History

Construction and Opening

The St Ives Branch was authorised by an Act of Parliament on 7 July 1873, promoted by the West Cornwall Railway to construct a line from St Erth to St Ives.^[3]^[19] This authorisation followed earlier rejected proposals in the 1840s and aimed to connect the fishing port of St Ives to the broader rail network.^[19] Construction commenced in 1874 and was overseen by engineer J. H. Gibbons, with contractor Thomas Lang of Liskeard managing the works.^[20]^[3] The project faced significant challenges due to the coastal terrain, including hard rock cuttings that required skilled Cornish miners, unstable foundations from prior mining activity stabilised by driving stout piles into bedrock, and features such as embankments along cliff edges.^[3] The line was built as a single track without the planned passing loops, spanning approximately 4.25 miles in broad gauge of 7 ft.^[20]^[19] The branch opened to passengers and goods on 1 June 1877, marking the last new broad gauge passenger line constructed in the United Kingdom.^[19]^[20] Its primary purpose was to facilitate fish traffic from St Ives harbour—particularly pilchards and other catches—and to carry passengers and agricultural produce to larger markets.^[19] The opening ceremony featured a special train hauled by the locomotive Elephant, carrying dignitaries from Penzance amid local celebrations.^[19] Initial infrastructure included four stations: St Erth (formerly St Ives Road), Lelant, Carbis Bay, and St Ives.^[19]^[20] The total cost of construction amounted to £70,000, funded through company shares and loans, with significant contributions including free land donations from local landowners such as Mt. C. T. Praed and Mr. T. S. Bolitho.^[3]

Gauge Conversion and Operations

The St Ives Bay Line, constructed to the 7 ft (2.134 m) broad gauge standard of the Great Western Railway (GWR), saw its initial operational phase dominated by the need to transition to the narrower 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge amid broader network-wide changes. In 1888, a third rail was installed from St Erth to Lelant to facilitate mixed-gauge working, allowing standard gauge wagons to operate alongside broad gauge ones primarily for goods traffic. This adaptation enabled interim compatibility without halting services, though it was limited in scope and primarily served freight needs until full standardization.^[21]^[22] The complete conversion to standard gauge took place over four days, from 20 to 23 May 1892, ending all broad gauge operations on the line and aligning it fully with the GWR's modernized network. This process involved relaying tracks and adjusting infrastructure, with the St Ives branch among the final sections converted due to its recent construction in 1877. Post-conversion, the line's operations shifted toward more efficient standard gauge rolling stock, marking a pivotal upgrade that supported growing regional connectivity.^[3]^[22] In the early 20th century, operations peaked with substantial fish traffic from St Ives harbour, where pilchards and other catches were loaded for inland distribution, contributing significantly to the local economy before a decline set in during the first half of the 20th century due to overfishing, market shifts, and competition from road transport. Steam locomotives, including GWR 0-6-0 tank engines suited for branch line duties, became the mainstay for hauling both freight and passenger services. Single-line working was regulated via wooden train staffs to ensure one engine in steam at a time, a system supplemented by single-needle telegraphs for coordination between stations.^[19]^[11] Infrastructure enhancements by the 1900s included the installation of signal boxes, notably at Lelant for controlling movements, and expanded telegraph networks to enhance safety on the undivided route. Minor extensions to goods sidings at key points, such as St Ives, accommodated the lingering freight demands, including fish and seasonal produce. These upgrades reflected the GWR's efforts to optimize branch operations amid rising passenger volumes.^[11]^[23] The line experienced temporary military utilization during both World Wars for troop and supply movements, yet avoided major disruptions, maintaining civilian services throughout. Pre-World War II developments emphasized holiday passenger traffic, with up to thirteen daily trains in the early 1900s catering to tourists drawn to St Ives' coastal appeal, solidifying the branch's role as a seasonal leisure corridor. Electrification proposals for Cornish branches, including potential extensions to St Ives, were considered but ultimately rejected in favor of diesel experimentation elsewhere on the network.^[19]^[3]

Decline, Closure Threats, and Modern Developments

Following World War II, the St Ives Bay Line experienced a significant decline in freight traffic as the local fishing industry waned and road transport competed effectively with rail. Fish traffic, once a mainstay of the line's operations, had largely ended by the early 1960s, with goods services ceasing entirely at St Ives station on 9 September 1963 and at intermediate stations like Lelant and Carbis Bay as early as May 1956.^[11] The line's role shifted toward serving tourist passengers, leveraging its scenic coastal route to sustain viability amid broader national railway rationalization efforts.^[15] The 1963 Beeching Report proposed the closure of the St Ives Bay Line as part of widespread cuts to unprofitable branches, citing low freight volumes and competition from roads. However, the line was reprieved in 1967 by Transport Minister Barbara Castle, who recognized its value in supporting tourism to the popular seaside destination of St Ives.^[15] In the 1970s and 1990s, operational changes aimed to modernize and promote the line's tourist appeal. A new station at Lelant Saltings opened on 27 May 1978, featuring a large car park to function as a park-and-ride facility for visitors, enhancing accessibility without increasing road congestion in St Ives. Diesel multiple units had fully replaced steam locomotives by the mid-1960s, but further introductions of classes like the Class 101 in the late 1970s improved efficiency on the short branch.^[15]^[24] Into the 21st century, infrastructure and service adjustments continued to adapt to growing leisure demand. In June 2019, the park-and-ride facility relocated from Lelant Saltings to St Erth station, where a new 422-space car park and improved interchange with mainline services were provided; this led to reduced train calls at Lelant Saltings, limited to one daily service in each direction.^[15]^[25] Recent updates have focused on timetable stability and occasional fleet enhancements. As of the 2025 timetable, the line operates with approximately two trains per hour Monday to Sunday, with services running from early morning to evening. Additionally, Class 158 diesel multiple units have seen occasional deployment on the branch in 2024 and 2025, offering upgraded comfort for passengers compared to the standard Class 150 units.^[26]^[27]

Infrastructure

Route and Engineering Features

The St Ives Bay Line is a 4.25-mile (6.84 km) single-track branch line extending from St Erth junction on the Cornish Main Line to St Ives in Cornwall, England.^[8] The route begins at St Erth (mile 0), curving northwest along the Hayle estuary through low-lying terrain and salt marshes to reach Lelant at approximately 1.5 miles, after which it ascends the coastal cliffs with a series of cuttings and embankments to provide panoramic sea views, culminating at St Ives after a total of 4.25 miles.^[8] ^[3] The line's alignment incorporates coastal engineering to navigate unstable ground from historical mining activities, including piles driven into bedrock for stability and rock cuttings blasted by skilled Cornish miners through hard granite.^[3] Engineering highlights include the Carbis Bay Viaduct, a four-arch masonry structure constructed from local Towednack granite, spanning 78 yards at a height of 78 feet and opened in 1877 to cross a deep valley near the coast.^[3] ^[28] Further along, the St Ives Viaduct, an iron girder bridge also dating to 1877, measures 106 yards in length and carries the line over a ravine immediately approaching St Ives station, forming part of the dramatic descent into the town.^[29] The route features a notable gradient on the climb from Lelant to Carbis Bay, where the line rises about 110 feet over roughly a mile.^[11] ^[30] The track is laid to standard gauge (4 ft 8½ in or 1,435 mm) with no electrification, relying on diesel multiple units for operations.^[8] Due to its coastal exposure, the line faces ongoing risks from erosion and sea encroachment, particularly near Porth Kidney Sands, where dune loss threatens stability and requires protective walls to prevent track collapse into the sea.^[3] ^[31] Maintenance efforts address these challenges, including a £3 million track renewal project completed in early 2021 between Carbis Bay and St Ives, which replaced 1.5 miles of track and marked the largest such investment on the line in over 60 years.^[32] ^[33] Scenically, the line hugs the cliffs to offer unobstructed vistas of St Ives Bay, including golden sands at Carbis Bay and Porthminster Beach below the terminus, enhancing its reputation as one of Britain's most picturesque routes.^[8] ^[29] It integrates with the South West Coast Path via footbridges, such as one spanning the track west of Carbis Bay Viaduct, allowing walkers to cross while enjoying elevated coastal perspectives.^[3]

Stations

St Erth serves as the junction station where the St Ives Bay Line diverges from the Cornish Main Line, facilitating connections to Penzance and beyond.^[34] Opened in 1852 by the West Cornwall Railway, it features a large park-and-ride car park with over 500 spaces, including accessible bays, introduced in 2019 to support visitor access to St Ives.^[35] Facilities include toilets available Monday to Saturday, help points during staffed hours (Monday to Saturday, 07:30–14:45), bicycle storage, and a drop-off point; the station is partially staffed during these times, with step-free access to some platforms under category B3.^[36] Lelant Saltings, opened on 27 May 1978 as a halt to provide park-and-ride access, is situated adjacent to the tidal marshes of the Hayle Estuary, offering views over the saltings and estuary wildlife.^[15] Following the relocation of the main park-and-ride facility to St Erth in 2019, services here have been reduced to a request stop with limited calls.^[35] The unstaffed station has minimal facilities, including a help point, bicycle storage, and 130 parking spaces, with step-free access to all platforms under category B2 but no toilets or lifts.^[37]^[38] Lelant, the original station dating from the line's opening on 1 June 1877, is located near the village center with basic platforms serving local residents.^[19] This unstaffed halt provides step-free access to all platforms under category A, a help point, limited parking for four vehicles, and bicycle storage, though no toilets are available.^[39]^[38] Carbis Bay station, also opened on 1 June 1877, is positioned close to the beach and provides access via a seasonal footpath along the South West Coast Path to Porth Kidney Sands.^[19]^[40] The unstaffed facility includes shelters, a booking office area, a help point, 20 parking spaces (one accessible), and bicycle storage, with partial step-free access to platforms under category B2.^[41]^[38] St Ives terminus, opened on 1 June 1877, offers panoramic harbor views and integrates with local bus services for onward travel.^[19]^[42] The unstaffed station features toilets, a help point (08:00–18:00 daily), 200 parking spaces, bicycle storage and hire, and full step-free access under category A.^[42]^[38] All stations except St Erth are unstaffed, relying on help points and ticket machines for passenger support.^[38] Accessibility enhancements, including step-free provisions at several sites, form part of Network Rail's broader Access for All scheme; the new footbridge at St Erth, providing step-free access across all platforms with lifts, was completed and officially opened in November 2025.^[43]^[44]

Operations

Passenger Services

The passenger services on the St Ives Bay Line are operated by Great Western Railway (GWR) under the Great Western franchise, offering an all-stations service connecting St Erth with Lelant Saltings, Lelant, Carbis Bay, and St Ives.^[45]^[46] In the current timetable (18 May to 13 December 2025), services run up to two trains per hour during peak times from late March to October and hourly off-peak throughout the period.^[26]^[4] The end-to-end journey from St Erth to St Ives typically takes around 15 minutes.^[47] The timetable runs until 13 December 2025, with the next effective from 14 December 2025 introducing no significant changes to frequencies.^[48] Seasonal variations see enhanced summer schedules with over 26 daily return trips operating between late March and October, dropping to more than 16 in winter, while Sunday services maintain approximately hourly departures year-round.^[46]^[26] Fares are integrated into the National Rail network, with local options such as the St Ives Bay Line Day Ranger ticket providing unlimited off-peak travel for a day at a fixed price of £4.20 for adults (as of March 2025), and no advance bookings required due to the line's short length and flexible anytime ticketing.^[49]^[50]^[51] Trains feature a quick 4-minute turnaround at St Ives station to support efficient operations, though peak summer periods often result in crowding, particularly on two-car units during high tourist demand.^[38] Recent changes include a 2019 reduction in stops at Lelant Saltings to one daily parliamentary service following the relocation of the park-and-ride facility to St Erth.^[52]

Rolling Stock and Signalling

The St Ives Bay Line primarily utilizes two-car Class 150 Sprinter diesel multiple units (DMUs) for passenger services, each capable of accommodating approximately 80 to 100 passengers.^[53] These units have been the standard rolling stock since the diesel era, with no locomotives employed on the branch due to its short length and self-propelled DMU design.^[53] Occasional deployments of Class 158 Express DMUs have been noted, particularly following platform extensions at St Erth that permit longer formations.^[54] Signalling on the line is managed mechanically from the St Erth signal box dating to 1899 that controls 11 semaphore signals across the junction and branch.^[55] The single-track section operates under a one train working system using a train staff or token, ensuring only one train occupies the route at a time; this is supplemented by absolute block signalling at the St Erth junction to prevent conflicts with mainline traffic.^[56] Safety features include three public level crossings: Western Growers near St Erth, Towan north of Lelant, and Hawkes Point approaching Carbis Bay. Hawkes Point is a user-worked footpath crossing equipped with signage, gates or stiles, and whistle boards requiring train horns as audible warnings between 06:00 and 23:59.^[57] Track circuiting is limited along the branch, with speed restrictions imposed on curves to maintain safe navigation, typically around 30 mph with reductions to 20 mph in areas like Carbis Bay.^[58] Maintenance is conducted at Great Western Railway's Long Rock Depot near Penzance, where overhauls and servicing occur to address the line's exposure to coastal conditions such as salt corrosion and erosion.^[59] Daily inspections are routine to monitor track integrity given the environmental challenges.^[60] Upgrades include the fitting of Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) on all operating units, a mandatory safety measure to prevent signals passed at danger since its network-wide rollout. Trials for tokenless block working in the 2010s were considered but not implemented, preserving the traditional staff system.^[11]

Community and Economy

Community Rail Initiatives

The St Ives Bay Line has been supported by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership since its establishment in 1991, which promotes branch lines across the region through community engagement and economic initiatives.^[61] The line achieved full community rail status in July 2005 as part of a Department for Transport pilot project aimed at enhancing local rail services.^[62] Key initiatives include the Rail Ale Trail, which encourages pub crawls connected by train services to support local businesses along the route.^[2] Local station adoption groups, involving around 600 regional volunteers, maintain and enhance facilities through activities like gardening and community events.^[63] Upcoming events feature celebrations for the line's 150th anniversary in 2027, highlighting its historical and scenic significance.^[9] Marketing efforts integrate the line with tourism promotion, such as its feature in the 2017 Scenic Rail Britain campaign to attract sustainable visitors to coastal landscapes.^[64] The partnership collaborates with Visit Cornwall to showcase the route's coastal views, complemented by online and offline campaigns launched in the early 2000s. These efforts align with broader goals, including advocacy for higher service frequencies, introduction of local ticketing options like Cornwall Pay As You Go, and accessibility upgrades such as the step-free footbridge at St Erth station opened on 14 November 2025.^[2]^[44] Environmental projects emphasize biodiversity, with volunteer-led community gardening at stations to foster sustainable practices.^[63] The line holds community rail accreditation through the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, renewed in recent years, and has received recognition for initiatives like the St Ives Bay Line art competition at national awards.^[65] Volunteer involvement has grown post-2019, contributing approximately 27,000 hours annually across the partnership's network to support these programs.^[66]^[67]

Passenger Volume and Tourism Impact

The St Ives Bay Line has experienced substantial growth in passenger volume over the past two decades, driven primarily by its role in facilitating access to a popular tourist destination. Between 2001 and 2011, annual journeys increased by 68%, rising from 291,000 to approximately 489,000. This upward trend persisted through the 2010s, with journeys reaching 662,374 by 2019, reflecting enhanced marketing efforts and improved service reliability by operator Great Western Railway (GWR).^[2]^[68] The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp temporary decline in 2020 and 2021, but recovery was swift, with journeys rebounding to 688,401 in 2022 and further increasing to 755,294 in 2023—exceeding pre-pandemic figures. By 2024, passenger levels had stabilized at or above these post-recovery highs, supported by the consistent 2025 timetable that maintains frequent summer services without major disruptions. Data from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership (DCRP), derived from the LENNON ticketing system, indicate this growth has been sustained by domestic tourism demand, with projections for ongoing stability absent significant external shocks.^[68]^[26] Tourism profoundly shapes the line's usage patterns, with peak demand concentrated in the summer months, accounting for the majority of annual traffic as visitors flock to St Ives for its beaches and cultural attractions. The St Ives terminus consistently sees the highest alightings, serving as the endpoint for most journeys and underscoring its status as the line's economic hub. This seasonal surge not only boosts overall ridership but also highlights the line's integral role in Cornwall's visitor economy.^[68]^[69] The line's passenger traffic generates notable economic benefits for St Ives, supporting local businesses through rail-borne visitors who contribute an estimated £5.9 million annually to the town's economy and sustain around 5% of local jobs, based on 2018 assessments by the DCRP. By offering a scenic and efficient alternative to driving, the service indirectly eases pressure on regional road networks, promoting sustainable transport in a high-tourism area. However, seasonal variability remains a key challenge, with off-peak months seeing significantly lower volumes; initiatives like community events have been introduced to encourage year-round usage, complementing broader community rail efforts.^[14]^[2]

References

[1]
The St Ives Bay Line (St Erth
The St Ives Bay Line is a 4.25 miles (6.84 km) railway line which opened in 1877, the last new 7 ft (2,134 mm) broad gauge passenger railway to be constructed ...
[2]
St Ives Bay Line - Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership
The St Ives Bay Line (St Erth-St Ives) is one of Britain's best loved railways. Read how the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership supports the line.
[3]
St Ives Cornwall's most beautiful railway line
Authorisation for the construction of the St Ives line was given on 7th July 1873. This was the last broad-gauge line opened in Cornwall and promoted by the ...
[4]
The St Ives Bay Line - Byway Travel
Jun 21, 2025 · Known as one of Britain's most scenic train rides, The St Ives Bay Line is a short branch line from St Erth to St Ives. In just 13 minutes, ...
[5]
Check Train Times and Timetables - Great Western Railway
Penzance and St Erth to St Ives (The St Ives Bay line) (PDF, 780 KB). T1, London and Reading to Oxford and Banbury (fast trains) Includes connections to and ...
[6]
St Ives Bay Line - Scenic Rail Britain
Considered one of the most beautiful routes in Britain, you need to experience the St Ives Bay Line for yourself.
[7]
The St Ives Bay Branch Line... A Unique Train Journey
The train finally glides over the Porthminster viaduct, with beachgoers and paddleboarders just below, and arrives a few moments later at St Ives station. Where ...
[8]
Trains to Penzance - Great Western Railway
Take the train and connect with the St Ives Bay line to experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in Britain. Enjoy spectacular views as you sweep ...
[9]
St Ives branch - Cornwall Railway Society
The line opened in 1877 and was the last broad gauge line opened in the westcountry. The gauge was converted in 1892, but before this, mixed gauge freights ...
[10]
St Ives Bay Line (2025) – Best of TikTok, Instagram ... - Airial Travel
The St Ives Bay Line is a truly special part of visiting St Ives. Often cited as one of the UK's most scenic train rides, this short, 10-minute journey connects ...
[11]
St Ives Bay Line: Breathtaking views from Britain's most scenic railway
Apr 28, 2024 · Enjoy 10 minutes of breathtaking views as they trundle along the coastal tracks to St Ives. This short, but spectacular railway line was opened on June 1, 1877.Missing: length operator<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
Rail tourism delivers huge boost to the economy
Aug 24, 2018 · St Ives – £5.9 million of economic benefit and 5% of jobs supported. The Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership promotes trips to each of these areas ...
[13]
ST ERTH INTERCHANGE SUCCESS - Modern Railways
Oct 24, 2019 · A NEW park-and-ride for the St Ives line in Cornwall that opened at St Erth station in the early summer has proven to be a boon for the ...Missing: economic impact tourism
[14]
[PDF] Local Transport Plan to 2030 - Let's Talk Cornwall
Nov 15, 2021 · The Local Transport Plan to 2030 includes a vision, goals, modal hierarchy, data sources, key challenges, and travel and transport in Cornwall.
[15]
Rail passengers in the north west set for bigger say - GOV.UK
Jun 1, 2012 · To date, 18 lines with their services have been designated as community rail lines: St Ives Bay Line: St Erth to St Ives June 2005.
[16]
St Ives Bay Line Rail Ale Trail - Great Scenic Railways
Explore Penzance and the scenic St Ives Bay Line by train, stopping off at pubs along the way to enjoy locally brewed ales and top food.
[17]
St Ives Branchline Opens | On this Day | Penzance, Cornwall, UK
It was later authorised by Parliament in 1873 to run from St.Ives Road Station (later St. Erth) to Lelant, Carbis Bay and St. Ives. By this time the West ...
[18]
The railway - Lelant
Eventually a proposal for a branch line from St Erth station to St Ives was agreed and building the railway began in 1874 and was finished in 1877. The ...Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
[19]
St Ives Branch (West Cornwall Railway) - RAILSCOT
Converted from Broad Gauge to Mixed Gauge. / /1892, St Ives Branch (West Cornwall Railway) Becomes Standard Gauge only. / /1979, St Ives ...
[20]
The End of the Broad Gauge | On this Day | Penzance, Cornwall, UK
The last broad gauge train from Paddington through to Penzance was the Cornishman Express which left Paddington at 10.15am on Friday 20 May 1892.
[21]
Great Western Signal Box Register
Drawing no. Signal box. S1132, Hayle Wharves. F20: St. Ives Branch. Drawing no. Signal box.
[22]
Lelant Saltings - Kent Rail
In February 2017, £5.4 million of funding was secured for a transport hub at St Erth. This aimed to provide an interchange between trains, buses, and cars, and ...
[23]
RailwayData | Lelant Saltings Station - The Railway Data Centre
2021-22 The Park and Ride at Lelant Saltings was relocated to St Erth during 2019-20 and the train service at Lelant Saltings was reduced. The train service was ...
[24]
[PDF] PDF Timetable - Train Times
Dec 13, 2025 · ... St Ives Bay line). All services in this timetable are operated by Great Western Railway. Changes to published times. Improvement works may ...
[25]
All Categories - Cornwall Railway Society
Dec 10, 2024 · Class 158 on the St. Ives Branch Roger Winnen & Tony Shore. Passengers on the St. Erth - St. Ives branchline were treated to an 'upgrade' on ...
[26]
File:Carbis Bay Viaduct 2009.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
English: Carbis Bay viaduct, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Opened in 1877 on the St Ives branch line; St Ives is to the left in this view. Date, 10 April 2009.
[27]
Romance on the rails: Best British vintage train journeys
Dec 1, 2018 · Two viaducts are crossed on this journey: the Carbis Viaduct and the St Ives Viaduct, the latter forming part of a dramatic descent into St Ives ...
[28]
Infamous Inclines! | RailUK Forums
Dec 9, 2011 · Lelant to Carbis Bay on the St Ives branch is a 110ft climb in a ... Dunblane bank is 1 in 70 at its steepest. Cowlairs is 1 in 42 so a ...
[29]
The total erosion of our beloved dunes at #porthkidneybeach #lelant ...
Sep 4, 2023 · By my estimation we have lost a 10-metre width from the beach and I dread to think what could happen to our St Erth-St Ives railway line if this ...
[30]
Network Rail completes St Ives £3m rail line upgrade
Feb 9, 2021 · The UK's Network Rail has announced that it has completed the renovation of St Ives Bay line between Carbis Bay and St Ives in Cornwall.
[31]
Multi-million-pound upgrade in Cornwall set to improve reliability
Apr 8, 2022 · “[This includes] completing the biggest track investment on the St Ives Bay line in 60 years [and] upgrading to the Newquay branch line. “It ...
[32]
St Erth train station | Departures, arrivals and tickets | GWR
St Erth station. Station Approach St Erth Cornwall TR27 6JW. Get directions. Print station details. At a glance. Ticket Office. Ticket Machines.
[33]
RailwayData | St Erth Station - The Railway Data Centre
2020-21 The Park and Ride at Lelant Saltings was relocated to St Erth during 2019-20 and the train service at Lelant Saltings was reduced. The train service ...
[34]
St Erth Station | National Rail
St Erth (SER). St Erth station, Station Approach, St Erth, Cornwall, TR27 6JW. Open in Google Maps ...<|separator|>
[35]
Lelant Saltings Station - National Rail
Lelant Saltings (LTS). Lelant Saltings station, Saltings Reach, Lelant, Cornwall, TR26 3DL. Open in Google Maps(external link, opens in a new tab). Station ...<|separator|>
[36]
St Ives Bay Line | Train travel guide - Great Scenic Railways
On the St Ives Bay Line, Anytime Day Return tickets for trips like St Erth to St Ives (£4.20) are valid all day, seven days a week, and are available all year ...
[37]
Lelant Station - National Rail
Lelant (LEL). Lelant station, Station Hill, Lelant, Cornwall, TR26 3DS. Open in Google Maps(external link, opens in a new tab). Station managed by Great ...<|separator|>
[38]
Carbis Bay and Porthkidney Sands circular walk
The 3.1 mile walk is moderate, with some ascent/descent, sea winds, and rare wildflowers. It follows the old pilgrim route, St Michael's Way, and has a beach ...
[39]
Carbis Bay Station | National Rail
Carbis Bay (CBB). Carbis Bay station, Porthrepta Road, Carbis Bay, Cornwall, TR26 2NN. Open in Google Maps(external link, opens in a new tab). Station managed ...<|separator|>
[40]
St Ives (Cornwall) Station - National Rail
St Ives (Cornwall) (SIV). St Ives station, Station Road, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2GB. Open in Google Maps(external link, opens in a new tab). Station managed ...<|separator|>
[41]
Access for All – improving accessibility at railway stations nationwide
Discover how we're making railway stations more accessible for everyone, including a map of station accessibility improvements.Missing: Ives Bay Line
[42]
Step-free access coming to St Erth station thanks to footbridge ...
Feb 21, 2023 · The project will see the current footbridge, which does not provide step-free access between the platforms, carefully removed and rebuilt at ...Missing: Bay | Show results with:Bay
[43]
Great Western Railway: Buy cheap train tickets
Buy now and save money with cheap train tickets. With no booking fees you can travel with confidence when travelling with GWR.Your tickets · Train times · Buy tickets · Book GWR Advance ticketsMissing: franchise operator Bay
[44]
[PDF] Great Western Franchise - Train Service Requirement - GOV.UK
Jul 26, 2012 · Where a number is stated in brackets then it applies in the Summer ... St Ives Bay line. Lelant Saltings. 92. 143. Lelant. Carbis Bay. St Ives. 28.
[45]
[PDF] Train Times - Great Western Railway
Dec 15, 2024 · ... St Ives Bay line). All services in this timetable are operated by Great Western Railway. Changes to published times. Improvement works may ...
[46]
Trains St Erth to St Ives (Cornwall) from £3.10 | Trainline
Starting from £3.10Trains from St Erth to St Ives (Cornwall) take an average of 12 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 10 minutes. You'll usually find 36 ...
[47]
St Ives Bay Line Ranger | National Rail
The St Ives Bay Line Ranger ticket give you the ability to roam at will in that particular area, travelling as often as you like on the trains and is valid ...Missing: fares | Show results with:fares
[48]
GWR Rovers and Rangers tickets | Book online
St Ives Bay Line Day Ranger tickets. Unlimited off-peak travel for one day on the St Erth to St Ives branch line. There is a Park & Ride car park at the ...
[49]
Lelant Saltings to be reduced to 1 train per day from the end of May ...
May 20, 2019 · Apparently GWR will reduce services stopping at Lelant Salting to 1 train per day when a new park and ride opens at the end of May 2019 at St ...St Ives Bay Line - Incredible Growth | RailUK ForumsSt Erth Park and Ride | RailUK ForumsMore results from www.railforums.co.ukMissing: adjustments | Show results with:adjustments
[50]
[PDF] GWR Facilities Guide
May 21, 2023 · This booklet contains a comprehensive set of information about our trains and stations. It is correct at the time of publication, ...
[51]
St Ives Branch platform lengthening and 5 coach services
Jul 25, 2023 · After the work to lengthen the platforms at St Erth and Lelant has there been any movement on 5 coach services to St Ives this summer?
[52]
Sun, semaphores and HSTs at St. Erth - RailwayWorld.net
Apr 8, 2025 · A total of 11 semaphore arms are controlled by the 1899-vintage GWR signal box at St. Erth, comprising three each on the up and down main lines and a down ...
[53]
[PDF] NETWORK RAIL Western Route
Dec 2, 2023 · GW690 SIV St Erth – St Ives ... 1 ground frame which can only be released by both the "One Train Working" staff and "No Signaller" token.<|separator|>
[54]
Hawkes Point Level Crossing - The ABC Railway Guide
Crossing protection arrangements: Signage; Gates or stiles; Whistle boards provided on the rail approaches - train horn audible warning given (06:00 to 23:59) ...
[55]
West Cornwall - St Ives Branch Linespeed - Dovetail Games Forums
Dec 24, 2021 · In the Down direction this section is 30mph throughout. In real life there is indeed a 20mph speed restriction just after Carbis Bay in the Up ...Missing: safety curves
[56]
Joint Network Rail and GWR £6.5m railway investment set for ...
Apr 11, 2022 · Once complete, the new sidings will enable an increase in capacity near the depot better allowing GWR to clean and maintain its fleet, ...
[57]
Network Rail completes biggest track investment on St Ives Bay line ...
Feb 8, 2021 · The railway line reopens today (Monday 8 February) following the successful completion of work to lay around 1.5 miles of new track and install ...Missing: designation date
[58]
Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership
The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership works to develop the branch lines of Devon and Cornwall. Read about our partnership and what we do.
[59]
Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership - Wikipedia
The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership is the largest Community Rail Partnership in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1991 to promote the use of, and ...Routes · Investment · Promotion · Birdwatching
[60]
Rail passengers in the north west set for bigger say - GOV.UK
Jul 25, 2013 · To date, 19 lines with their services have been designated as community rail lines: St Ives Bay Line: St Erth to St Ives July 2005, selected as ...
[61]
[PDF] Community rail in the South West
• St Ives Bay Line – St Erth to St Ives. • Dartmoor Line - Exeter to Okehampton. The CRP's priorities are to promote the branch lines, engage and involve ...
[62]
Devon & Cornwall branch lines featured on Scenic Rail Britain
May 16, 2017 · They aim to offer inspiration and information to help tourists and day-trippers plan visits to epic landscapes, coastal scenes, historic sites ...
[63]
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/667...
Name,Accreditation Status,Web address for partnership Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership,Renewed in ... Community/White-Cliffs-Community-Rail.aspx.
[64]
New report out today: 600 community rail volunteers and seven local ...
Mar 31, 2021 · The project is being assisted by grants from the Railway Heritage Fund and the Community Rail Development Fund. St Ives Bay Line art competitionMissing: involvement post-
[65]
St Ives Bay Line art competition - Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership
A five-week possession of the St Ives Bay Line presented an opportunity to improve two stations with bespoke artwork from a new generation of artists.
[66]
[PDF] Devon & Cornwall branch lines Full calendar year (RSP P10
St Ives Bay Line (St Erth - St Ives). 291000. 400514. 435743. 501476. 440360 ... Supplied by Wessex Trains/First Great Western to the Devon & Cornwall Rail ...Missing: passenger | Show results with:passenger
[67]
[PDF] Regional rail usage - London - ORR Data Portal
Nov 21, 2024 · 2,380,000 St Ives and St Erth. Bath and ... Rail passenger numbers and crowding statistics provides information on the number of passengers ...