Possibly one of the most beautiful routes in the UK is the 14 mile Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Gunnislake, a single track branchline that ambles sedately along the shores of the River Tamar.

Today's journey was undertaken by the usual traction, a First Great Western Class 150 Diesel Multiple Unit, although sometimes a Class 153 can be pressed into service on this route too. This particular unit, 150129, was a former Silverlink owned unit until replaced by London Overground Class 172's in 2009. Much like its fellow Class 150/1 brothers, it has since been dispersed across the country, with First Great Western owning 15 of the class as well as the two Class 150/0 prototypes.

1. We begin our journey at Gunnislake, which is now the terminus of the route, although the line did once continue a further 5 miles to the north to reach Callington. Built by the Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Junction Railway as part of their route from Lydford in North Devon to Plymouth, the branch to Gunnislake opened in 1908, with the section to Callington closing in 1966.

2. Upon departure from Gunnislake, the magnificent rolling hills and valleys formed by the River Tamar can truly be appreciated, with the rough ground of Dartmoor dominating the distant horizon.

3. This area is also steeped in mining history, primarily for Tin. Like many places in Cornwall, the sight of a brick chimney dating back to the Victorian era and the early Industrial Revolution is a frequent point of interest.

4. After descending the incline from Gunnislake, we arrive at the first stop of Calstock, the station opening in 1908 although a line to Calstock quay had been in operation since 1872.

5. Immediately after the stop at Calstock, we cross back into Devon upon the magnificent Calstock viaduct, a fantastic 12 arch structure that was constructed between 1904 and 1907.

6. Shortly afterwards we arrive at Bere Alston, and the former junction with the London and South Western Railway mainline from Plymouth to Exeter via Okehampton and Crediton. The station was once formed of three platforms, the innermost platform now used by the current service. The mainline beyond Bere Alston closed in 1970. There are plans however to reopen the line as far as Tavistock.

7. After reversing at Bere Alston, the train then stops Bere Ferrers, which has been presented in the condition it was during the golden years of the Southern Railway in the late 1930's, with several preserved carriages and locomotives adding to the atmosphere of the scene.

8. Now running along the banks of the Tamar, we cross the River Tavy on the Tavy and Tamerton Viaducts.

9. Approaching Plymouth, we pass beneath the magnificent spans of the 1961 Tamar suspension bridge, and the 1859 built Royal Albert Bridge, constructed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, being the last of the engineer's structures before his death later that year.

10. After St Budeaux Victoria Road, the line joins the Great Western Railway line from Plymouth to Penzance, although the London and South Western from St Budeaux did in fact enter the city of Plymouth via its own route further to the east, all of which closed in 1968.

11. Crossing Weston Mill Viaduct, the extensive dock facilities at the Royal Naval base of Devonport can be seen, with HMS Ocean visible at the dockside. Immediately after crossing the bridge, the line to the Devonport facility can be seen diverging away.

12. After leaving Devonport station, the steel span bridge leaves a forlorn impression of the former diverging route that provided one of the two connections to Plymouth Millbay station and dock facilities, which formerly provided connections to seagoing vessels from the port. At the same time, Devonport station was also a junction with the London and South Western Railway, which was forced to use Great Western Railway tracks in order to access Plymouth Friary station on the opposite side of the city. The LSWR's other terminus being Devonport King's Road station, all of which closed in 1964 with very little left to show its existence.

13. As we approach our final stop at Plymouth, the remains of the viaduct structure that provided one of the cords to the Millbay station and dock facilities can be seen. This route remained open until 1971, when all traffic was withdrawn and the route, together with the Millbay terminus, was demolished. Today only this small part of the viaduct provides any remnants of the line's existence.

14. Finally, we arrive at Plymouth. Formerly known as North Road station this was the Great Western Railway's main station. The station is not a true representation of the original GWR design as it was rebuilt in 1962 to incorporate the new 10-storey InterCity House. Today the station is the terminus for a majority of services from Northern England and London Paddington, as well as for local services from Penzance as well as from Exeter.

Enjoy!

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