~WSR and Dunster~
9th June 2010
Day 2 of the Bristol holiday. We watched the weather reports predict heavy showers by mid-day and abandoned plans to visit the Cheddar Gorge. I decided that there was less chance of these showers closer to the coast and so we took the M5 down to Taunton and the short journey north-west from there to Bishops Lydeard.
Dunster
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day
Bishops Lydeard Station
The West Somerset Railway runs from this station to Minehead. It is the longest privately owned, standard-gauge railway line in the UK and features preserved steam and diesel locomotives as well as DMU's - if you know what they are.
Our Train
We had to cross the line to catch the train and we were only just in time, all these passengers are being hurried along by the important-looking man stood on the tracks. This is a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) - you will notice it does not have a locomotive at the front.
Williton
One of the eight intermediate stations between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. All very well presented by the volunteers.
A Western, a Hymek and a Warship, or for the less enthused, three engines.
Blue Anchor Station
The use of two lines through this station allows for trains to pass on what is otherwise a single-track line. Blue Anchor Bay is adjacent to the railway, it's part of Bridgwater Bay.
Karen on the train
Dunster Castle
Defences
This is one of several pillboxes adjacent to the railway line.
Class 115 DMU at Dunster
This is where we got off and the train is leaving for Minehead, heading away from the camera. We could have stayed on the train and gone to the seaside resort, but we chose a little culture ahead of ice creams and candy floss. We take the short walk to Dunster village.
Dunster
The octagonal structure in the photo is the yarn market and dates from around 1600. This place looks so untidy with all the cars about, but there is obviously no answer to the problem.
Lock's Cafe, Dunster - see later
Dunster Castle
This is a National Trust managed property full of old pictures, old rugs, old furniture and old people. It's all a bit samey throughout and not what I would call exciting. See elsewhere on the internet for more information. The grounds and views made up for my disappointment therein.
West St., Dunster
Cottages in Dunster
Lots of fine houses like this.
Gallox Bridge
We took a walk around the outside of the castle and this packhorse bridge is one of the features of the walk.
Dunster Police Station
Now private houses
Map showing Dunster in relation to Minehead (top left)
Loco No.3850
This locomotive is taking a train to Minehead and we will catch the train on its return, so we have a little time to sit at Dunster station and take it easy. Note how we have managed to stay dry!
Dunster Station
Me at Dunster Station
Sporting new shades, John - if your reading this, I'll collect the ones I left in your car, next time we meet up.
Approaching Blue Anchor
Switching Tokens at Blue Anchor
Drivers can only proceed if they possess the right token for the line ahead. Here the fireman and the station master exchange tokens for the adjacent stretches of line.
Lundy in The Bristol Channel
You can see big, high clouds over South Wales, the convectional rainfall was always more likely over land and we managed to enjoy a bright day without rain.
Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway 7F 2-8-0 No.88
Western Courier
Preserved, restored and resting at Bishops Lydeard station.
That was a really good day out and the West Somerset Railway offers real value for money. Dunster is an interesting place, Minehead remains unvisited as far as we're concerned.
Day Trippers: Karen and me.
Time taken: Most of the day.
Points of Interest: West Somerset Railway, Dunster, Dunster Castle.
Weather and conditions: Bright, frequently sunny and warm enough not to need more than a t-shirt.
Greetings Count: High, of course.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Lock's Cafe, Dunster. Hidden behind Jacob's Clothing Shop, it's a real gem! Highly recommended for snacks, cakes etc. Tea served with hot water AND an extra tea-bag, should it be required.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
Take me back to the start ....