It's really the last throw of the dice as we wind down our travels this summer, even though it's still July. Katoon returns to Thailand in a couple of weeks so there's just time for a kind of farewell tour. Understandably, we plan to head into new territory for new experience. Today we're on our way southwest, a long way southwest, as we depart at 9.30 am.
The journey time today is over 4 hours, but with all day available we can take our time and I have a couple of stops in mind, the first one about half distance. While I have to select attractions that will appeal to Katoon, in the first instance we're talking trains as we arrive in Buckfastleigh in South Devon for something special.
The South Devon Railway (SDR) is a 6.64-mile (10.69 km) heritage railway from Totnes to Buckfastleigh. Mostly running alongside the River Dart, it was initially known as the Dart Valley Railway. The railway is now operated by the South Devon Railway Trust, a registered charity. The railway's headquarters and museum are located at Buckfastleigh railway station.
Part of a former branch line in a gorgeous setting, the SDR is a wonderful place to come and relax even if you don't take the train journey with picnic places amidst wildlife in the foothills of Dartmoor. At the present time there are just two former GWR engines operating, but saved from the cutter's torch are at least four more engines that while far from being operational, are at least safe now. While there are heritage railways with more iconic locomotives operating, the SDR makes up for this with its charm, retaining a good selection of railway memorabilia. With the weather cooperating unlike earlier in the morning, we just have to stay awhile and enjoy the mood here, but by mid-afternoon we're on our way again, heading west towards Plymouth. Crossing the Tamar, we enter Cornwall.
We're still some distance from our final destination as we close in on another railway station, this one on the main line. Par Railway Station serves the villages of Par, Tywardreath and St Blazey. The station is 281 miles down the line from London Paddington, It is the junction for the Atlantic Coast Line to Newquay.
Today I plan to see an excursion train at Par at its destination having earlier this morning left Bristol Temple Meads. The train was headed by an ex-LMS engine known as a (Stanier) Black 5. However, reaching Par well before the return departure time, I'm disappointed not to see it here. Instead, the train is waiting, headed by the support engine, a Class 47 diesel-electric. It seems that the Black 5 was pulled at Plymouth due to operational constraints. No disrespect to the vintage Class 47, but I've seen it before and decide not to wait for its departure back to Bristol. There is still another hour to travel on to our accommodation for tonight. That hour is spent on minor roads and through small villages, but finally we reach our destination safely.
On a quiet bend of the tranquil Helford River, near Falmouth, is the award-winning Budock Vean Hotel & Spa. Set in 65 acres of glorious gardens, woodlands and its own golf course, Budock Vean Hotel & Spa is a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. We receive the key and settle in at this rather, by normal standards, luxurious hotel with a view over the golf course. We warm prepared food and I can put my feet up at last.

Source: Visit