The Exeter–Plymouth line, also called the South Devon Main Line, is a central part of the trunk railway line between London Paddington and Penzance in the southern United Kingdom. It is a major branch of the Great Western Main Line and runs from Exeter St Davids to Plymouth, from where it continues as the Cornish Main Line. It was one of the principal routes of the Great Western Railway which in 1948 became part of the Western Region of British Railways and is presently operated by Network Rail.
A GWR Class 802 near Dawlish
South West Trains Class 159 unit 159103 crossing Totnes viaduct, with a service from London Waterloo to Plymouth. South West Trains also operated to Paignton and Penzance, however, since the December 2009 timetable change, they no longer operate west of Exeter.
By the sea at Coryton Cove
The old engine house at Totnes
Exeter St Davids railway station
Exeter St Davids railway station is the principal railway station serving the city of Exeter in Devon, England. It is 193 miles 72 chains from the zero point at London Paddington, on the line through Bristol which continues to Plymouth and Penzance. It is also served by an alternative route to London Waterloo, via Salisbury, and branch lines to Exmouth, Barnstaple and Okehampton. It is currently managed by Great Western Railway and is served by trains operated by Great Western Railway, South Western Railway and CrossCountry. It is the busiest station in Devon, and the third busiest station in South West England.
Exeter St Davids railway station
Exeter in 1844. A print by William Spreat showing St Davids in 1844.
The transfer shed built in the 1860s
View from Red Cow level crossing. The yellow Network Rail train is in platform 2; platform 3 is straight ahead; the old goods shed is on the right.