Much of the old fencing is still there below the raised track bed,although not in very good shape.The line is well concealed by the trees that line it,but there is not much vegetation actually on the track bed and it is easy to walk.The line closely follows the River Barthem and it must have been a really picturesque journey when it was all clear of trees.
The track continues until it meets the garden of a private house.The track bed here has been totally destroyed,no doubt so that the home owner has clear access to the river,which is a shame.It is here that we stopped,not wanting to walk through their garden and returned back home.
We did however on another day,join the line from the other side of the private garden to explore further.There are quite a few embankments down the line here,but some have been filled in with earth and rubble.There are also many water pools along this stretch that made me think of Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake.Whilst walking we found an old post made out of track which was surprisingly heavy.The men who worked the rails must have been very fit and strong to shift these around.
We also found a gradient post covered in ivy,but missing the arms.All in all this section had a rather eerie feel to it and unusually for me when walking the Exe Valley Railway,I was happy when we got to the end.
If you want to continue down the line from here you can carry on by reading,What it Looks Like Today:Bampton to Holmingham Farm and 6 Bridges
This old postcard shows the line going down to the Exeter Inn.Where the roads from the bottom and the right meet is now a roundabout.
