Plymouth’s Hidden Railways: The Cattedown Branch Line and LSWR to Turnchapel

Join us on a fascinating journey through Plymouth’s industrial past as we explore the Cattedown Branch Line and the LSWR line from Laira to Turnchapel. This documentary delves into the rich history of these crucial railway lines, from their construction in the late 19th century to their peak years of operation, their eventual decline, and the remnants that still stand today.
We’ll use a mix of archival photos, modern drone footage, and detailed narration to bring to life the story of these often-overlooked pieces of Plymouth’s heritage. Discover how these lines connected the city’s bustling docks, quarries, and communities to the national rail network, facilitated the export of local goods like china clay and stone, and supported the growth of Plymouth’s industries.
Despite their closure and the impending removal of some trackbeds, the legacy of these railways endures. This documentary highlights their historical significance and the ongoing efforts to preserve their memory.

[@moss-autos2662]

the old track beds were my play grounds in the late '70s and early '80s. I remember catching ( and releasing ) slow worms on the line. Thanks.

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. Do you know, we saw a slow worm on the cycle path where Plymstock station once stood - first one I've seen in years

[@user-dh7hr1pl2d]

Grew up around Prince Rock/Cattedown in the 1980s/90’s. Walked the rail line route from Cattedown wharfs to Friary station many times. So much has changed in the last 30 years

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thanks for dropping by - yes lots has changed, not necessarily for the better

[@barnettiuk]

On the one hand, the Cattewater line currently terminates at a scrapyard fairly close to the A379 and hasn’t seen any kind of train in 10 years. On the other hand…..we’ve been here before. Many times. In a few decades’ time the wharves might be used again but the line will have been bulldozed into oblivion and have housing and industrial units all over it……..because of one road bridge? No more short-termism. Protect the infrastructure.

[@YCymroAiGetyn]

Plymouth City Council not exactly famous for foresight

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Absolutely agree

[@MrGreatplum]

I lived for a year in plympton in 2004 and the remains of these railways used to fascinate me every time I drove into Plymouth. An excellent video - great stuff!

[@DevonAdventureFam]

thanks for your comments

[@martyn6792]

Very interesting video and history lesson, a shame when those lines are removed

[@DevonAdventureFam]

It is, especially when there are opportunities to re-utilise, like light transit

[@simoncroft9792]

Great video, I like the sound fx and music choices.

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelkinsey4649]

Very good - could do with a longer dwell on the photos though, had to watch multiple times using the Pause button lol

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Hey thanks for the feedback - I'll take that onboard for the next instalment I'm working on. It's tricky with photos on how long to make each frame so your comments are greatly appreciated!

[@Sam_Green____4114]

On that map at 00:30 Iin the 1990s I went in a classic oldy worldy pub in Plymouth and it was on one of those triangles on this map ! ( Was the name of the pub the Triangle or The Railway ?.Can't remember .)Anyway I think it had pictures on the wall of the railway and triangle in it's ooperating heyday ! Where was I ? . Only I remember it was a very residential area .I thought ( from the map ) it could have been the Friary triangle ? Bit i don't remember any water on the right !

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thanks for visiting!

[@nickdarsley272]

Very close to North Road Station, there used to be a pub called The Archer. They had a picture of a Western on Goss Moor on the wall. It was near the triangle, but the line down to Millbay was long gone in the 90s.

[@michellewalsh1970]

Fab video, thank you.

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thanks so much! Stay tuned as there's another in production!

[@michellewalsh1970]

​@@DevonAdventureFam oh fab!

[@mikejennings7779]

Bet they regret getting rid of all these lines around the country

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Well they should - would make a big difference to the green agenda..

[@TINYPINHEAD]

Fantastic video

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thanks for the visit

[@MarcelosalivaTRENESArg]

Excellent video 😊

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Thank you very much!

[@humptydumpty9177]

What a massive mistake we made when we closed these lines.

[@DevonAdventureFam]

Would fix lot of Plymouth's transport issues

[@hojomoone]

Thank You! Superb record of Plymouth's #LinesInTheLandscape. More please 😊

[@DevonAdventureFam]

thank you

[@cannadineboxill-harris2983]

Hi There my real Name is Mr Cannadine T. Boxill-Harris, I have another interesting idea for most of us Class 507, Class 508, Class 313, and Class 314 and that also includes those interesting Class 315 Fans out there, rather than scrapping most of those Class 507, Class 508, Class 313's Class 314 including the Class 315's maybe you guys can convert them. Including the refurbishment into the Volvo TD102KF Engine, Volvo B10M Engine, Leyland 510 Engine, Scania N112 Engine, Cummins M11 Engine, Gardner LG1200 Engine, Gardner 6LXB Engine, Gardner 8LXB Engine, Class 507, Class 508, Class 313's, Class 314's and the Class 315's and convert all of them into a 2 Carriages and Three Carriages of the Class 313's, Class 314's and that is including those Class 315's for most of us Class 314 and Class 315 Diesel Train Fans PLEASE? Are you still going to do this interesting type of Project for all of us out there Pretty Please.

[@DevonAdventureFam]

certainly one to think about - thanks for dropping by!

[@milehighclassics]

Houses again

[@DevonAdventureFam]

And more houses equate to a greater transport need...