BEACH LIFE: WEST SOMERSET STYLE!
Spring is the quintessential time of regeneration and rebirth. In early May, that message resounded loud and clear when I visited West Somerset, with its blooming swathes of radiant green foliage beneath azure skies, and the inspirational heritage railway that links the towns and villages on its fascinating coastline to its hinterland in the shadow of the Quantock Hills.
The recent and long-awaited opening of the Seaward Way level crossing has allowed trains back into Minehead, and significant progress has been made on the upgrading track so the line can once again accommodate larger engines. Three superb visitors made the line’s May 5-8 spring steam gala a must for visitors, including myself.
Continuing its tour of southern England was the Scottish Railway Preservation Society’s 1907-built Caledonian Railway Class 439 0-4-4T No. 419, making its first visit to both the line and the West Country, fresh from visits to the Battlefield Line and the Spa Valley Railway.
It was joined by a pair from the Severn Valley Railway, with Swindon 1955-built BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 No. 75069 making its first visit to the West Somerset since 1994, away from the home line since its last major overhaul was completed in late 2018. It was joined by GWR heavy freight 2-8-0 No. 2857.
Blessed by radiant weather, more than 2200 passengers travelled over the four days of the
