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Written by Nick Slocombe - 31 Aug 2004
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Location notes
Situated in the Fowey Valley between Lostwithiel and Bodmin Parkway in Cornwall it is situated on the Great Western mainline to Penzance.
Railway type and traffic
FGW, VXC, Arriva Wales and Wessex passenger services.
DB Schenker freight trains, mainly connected with the china clay industry and Freightliner's twice weekly Earles to Moorswater cement empties which run round at St Blazey.
Environment
This is a remote rural location, it is ideal for those who want to stand and stare at the countryside between trains. Deer are often to be seen on the hillside and buzzards soar along the sides of the valley catching thermals for lift.
Road directions
As you enter Lostwithiel on the A390 turn right following signs to Restormel Castle. After a mile or so you will see a parking bay on the right. Park there.
At the end of the parking bay there is a gate leading down a shady drive, it is also a public footpath. Follow that through the trees where you will see a gate into a field and a path which circles the impressive facade of Restormel Manor. Follow the path round, through another gate and then up a track which leads you to the railway.

Alternatively if you follow signs to the Duchy of Cornwall's nursery, you can follow the forest path from opposite the nursery, down into the river valley and approach the line from the opposite side.

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Restormel map co-ordinates
Parking
Either in the lay-by /parking bay near Restormel Castle or at the Duchy of Cornwall's Nursery.
Public transport
Wessex Trains to Lostwithiel and then walk or D.A.C coaches 269 bus from either Liskeard or St Austell (five per day). Walk from Lostwithiel Royal Talbot Hotel.

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Amenities
Nothing.
The nearest public toilet is at Restormel Castle. Lostwithiel has a selection of pubs and a good fish and chip shop. There are a number of bakeries in the town together with a couple of small super markets. I recommend the Earl of Chatham just up the hill beyond the station. Good beer and food.
Accommodation
Again, Lostwithiel has a number of Bed and Breakfasts and at least one starred hotel. If you are extravagant treat yourself to a night in the Cormorant at Golant, a few miles south of Lostwithiel. Great shot of early morning trains on the Fowey branch from the bedroom window.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
Restormel

Googly map
Streetmap links
Restormel general view map
Restormel close up map

Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
Restormel



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Railway Gen Group
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Photographic notes
The light is pretty good all day, westbounds in the morning (which are actually heading south at this point) and early to mid afternoon. The cement empties look good. Eastbounds the picture is a little more restricted, but the light is good from mid-afternoon onwards.


General views - All photographs © Nick Slocombe unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 1 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 2 - Looking north


Fig 3 - Looking south


Fig 3 - Looking south


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