Truro to Falmouth on the Maritime Line

Journey on the Great Scenic Railway from Truro to Falmouth

Westward TV reporter John Doyle embarks at Truro to travel from the cathedral city to the harbour port-resort of Falmouth on the Maritime Line. The Great Scenic Railway takes in the once busy port of Penryn where fish, tin and copper industries gave way to granite works and lately, oyster farming. The train passes through the Higher Town Tunnel and at Penwithers Junction the line splits; the mainline continues to Penzance; the branch line as single track to Falmouth.

Built by the Cornwall Railway from Plymouth to Truro in 1859 and extended to Falmouth in 1863, the line was to link London with the packet boats travelling to Europe, Africa and America. The train travels above the Restronguet Creek on the Carnon Viaduct stopping at Perranwell. From there the Ponsanooth Viaduct looms high over the River Kennal, it continues through Treluswell to Penryn, head of the River Fal with views over St Gluvias through Penmere onto Falmouth Bay where Pendennis Castle and Gyllyngvase Beach may be seen. Opened as The Dell in 1970, today's Falmouth Town Station precedes the last stop at Falmouth Docks.