South Devon delights its multitude of visitors, whatever their interests and passions. It wins you over whether inside or outside, water side or cliff top, modern or traditional, eating or drinking, active or resting.
One of its many highlights is the steam train that runs along the south coast towards picturesque Dartmouth. It offers a sedate and traditional exit from the cheap-eating, funfair-overwhelmed Paignton and takes you through Agatha Christie land to Kingswear, where a short boat trip delivers you to Dartmouth.
Lydham Manor in full action, Churston, August 2016
Lydham Manor was there to trundle me along the line in a delightful manner with friendly service at the stations and on board.
This Grande Dame was born in December 1950 in Swindon, achieving stardom in the late 1950s when she hauled the royal train. She had a relatively short life, however, being withdrawn from British Railways at the young age of 15. Happily, she was taken for restoration in 1970 and returned to service in 1973.
This little journey provided thorough enjoyment. The views of sea and countryside were beautiful, while the stations evoked a quieter, bygone era. The return journey made a perfect buffer to a day of energetic walking, exploring and even a tidbit of shopping in Dartmouth.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 4 August 2016
Part of Cee’s B&W Challenge
Travel with Intent 
This is an awesome shot with so much character!
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What a nice coincidence. Love your photo. 😀
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I had fun playing with the editing!
Sent from my iPhone
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Loved you info about the train and your adventure. You certainly get around!
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I find it very hard to sit still!
On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 9:28 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Oh, marvellous! You do get around!
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I do at the moment. This was a weekend with a friend. Prices and exchange rate encouraged us to stay in Britain and Torquay provided the perfect spot.
On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 9:13 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Looks like you made a good call, Debs
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☺ I want to go back!
On Thu, Aug 4, 2016 at 9:19 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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I’ll come along for the ride!!
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