More than 2,000 flock to Chelfham Viaduct open day

More than 2,000 people took up the rare opportunity to set foot on the historic Chelfham Viaduct at the weekend as it opened to the public for only the second time in its 130 year history.

The chance to walk on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway viaduct was part of two days of celebration over the weekend which also saw the official opening of the Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub, created by The Growforward Project.

Above: The two-day open event at the Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub also gave an opportunity to explore the railway heritage below the viaduct. Credit: Simon Ellery

The Historical Railways Estate (HRE), which is responsible for the maintaining the structure, hosted the event alongside the L&B Railway Trust plus The Growforward Project) to mark Railway 200, a year-long national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the ‘modern’ railway.

Above: The Historical Railways Estate which maintains Chelfham Viaduct estimated more than 2,000 people walked across it during the two days. Credit: HRE

The Growforward Project has been created on the site of the old Chelfham Mill School and will offer a residential wellbeing retreat centre, a café and bistro, a heritage visitor centre and accommodation for staff and volunteers.

The heritage hub was officially opened on Saturday by the Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates and visitors over both days could discover more about the history of the site, enjoy live music, see the restored Chelfham Station, sample food and drink and of course, walk the viaduct with its stunning views.

Above: Barnstaple Mayor Janet Coates receives the scissors from Daniel Argent, comms manager for The Growforward Project, for the official opening of the heritage hub. Credit: Simon Ellery

Ms Coates said: “It was a pleasure to attend the first Open Day at The Growforward Project and to witness the community’s dedication to preserve and enhance Chelfham Valley. The passion behind the Heritage Hub and Conservation Community initiative is inspiring, and I’m excited to see how this vision continues to grow.

“I congratulate everyone involved in this community-led effort and look forward to seeing future phases of The Growforward Project unfold.”

Above: Roseanna Ball was among those providing live music at the Chelfham Viaduct open day event. Credit: Simon Ellery

Daniel Argent from The Growforward Project said the event had been hugely success and beyond anything they could have hoped, with a high level of interest shown in possible future events on the viaduct or at the Growforward Project.

He added: “The joined up effort from a host of community led organisation, coupled with National Highways Heritage team, turned a quiet little corner of North Devon into the most incredible focal point for this weekend.

“A lot of us have worked in events for decades and we have never known such a warm, friendly and lovely crowd of visitors to any previous event. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of the volunteers on all sides who allowed the event to happen.

“As a community in partnership, we are excited to rejuvenate the historic and conservation treasures of the stunning Chelfham Valley, for the benefit of local community and to draw such considerate, ethical tourism, as we have seen this weekend, to North Devon.”

Above and below: The site of the former Chelfham Mill School below the viaduct is now The Growforward Project. Credit: Simon Ellery

Helene Rossiter, head of the Historical Railways Estate, said, “We’re delighted the opening has been such a great success and estimate over 2,000 people walked across the viaduct over the two days.

“This was a unique opportunity for the local community and rail enthusiasts to enjoy spectacular views from an iconic piece of North Devon history and share their own stories about the railway.

“I’m very proud that the Historical Railways Estate plays such an important part in maintaining Chelfham and keeping it safe and in good order for generations to come.”

The Growforward Project is a not-for-profit community interest company which received planning permission in February to create a retreat for mental wellbeing, together with training courses to degree level and to create a community hub that also celebrates the rail heritage of the site below the former Lynton to Barnstaple Railway line.

The iconic narrow gauge line opened in 1896 but sadly closed just 39 years later. The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust owns a great deal of the old route and has ambitions to eventually reopen the line between the two towns.

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