Introduction.

Bishops Nympton is a small up and coming town set in the country side of North Devon. Its main links to the outside world are via the Taunton to Barnstable line which is operated by the Great Western Railway and the London and South Western Railway which runs  through trains from London to Barnstable. Primarily the main form of goods are cattle and farm produce, Bishops Nympton is used as the main distribution hub for many of the local villages.

Bishops Nympton is a fictitious Great Western Railway branch line terminus running from a junction of the Taunton to Barnstable line. The line owned and operated by the Great Western Railway see’s through trains from London to Barnstable in the form of London and South Western Railway stock. Occasionally, the odd coach would find it’s way up this delightful country branch to Bishops Nympton.

Route.

The branch line was built around 1885 when the opportunities at Bishops Nympton were recognised. Leaving the main line, the branch follows the contours of the hills for some 25 miles on a steady climb through farmland crossing the occasional road and a number of accommodation bridges until it reaches a stone built viaduct on some 37yds in length crossing the River Tod. The line then levels out as it approaches the station. It passes under a road bridge before entering the station yard.  

On entering the station boundary, a small engine shed is seen which is used to carryout minor repairs. The goods depot is on the right along with the service bays. Bishops Nypmton signal box is on the left of the line as it enters the single platform station with a run round bay. A cattle dock is used on market days to transport livestock away from Bishops Nympton.

Last updated 15 April 2009

Bishop’s Nympton

An 'O Gauge' Great Western Railway branch line terminus in the mid 1930s

A Great Western Railway branch line terminus in the mid 1930s