From Westward Ho! to Abbotsham Cliffs

New life of the Bideford-Westward Ho! railway track – disused since the middle of the first world war – is envisaged in a more proposal reported to Northam Urban Council.

The Clerk, Mr L B Galliford, told the Council a Birmingham firm, specialising in the operation of miniature railways had submitted proposals to use a stretch of the old Bideford-Westward Ho! railway track starting from near the Bath Hotel and running out to the Council’s boundary and Abbotsham Cliffs. The firm realised they would have to enter into agreements with various owners of lengths of the track for wayleaves, added the Clerk.

The Council, after discussion, decided to reply to the firm that the matter was being favourably considered.

In reply to the Rev A E Green, the Clerk said he understood the miniature railway would be such that passengers could sit inside the carriages.

Mr C R Mill thought when the Council acquired the Rocks Nose quarry area they had done so with the idea of enabling people to walk out along the cliffs and the miniature railway, he considered, might interfere with that.

There was a part at the side where people could walk, said Mr G W G Hutchings.

‘I think this is a thing we should encourage if we possible can’ said the Chairman, Mrs M de N Youngman. ‘It is something other people are prepared to do and it would add to the attractions of Westward Ho! It seems a wonderful idea’ she added.

The proposal also concerns land coming under the jurisdiction of Bideford Rural District Council and this Council has been written to by the firm on the matter.

More information on the Railway can be found at this link: Westward Ho! Railway History

Article dated 20 January 1956