Growing up, I knew next to nothing about this branch line as it closed years before I was aware of it. I passed the triangle junction with the main line several times on the train; went through Blackwater and the remains of the bridge, that saddened my Dad; and on rare occasions on Sunday afternoon drives this far east he would point out any remaining features of the line, most of which were actually rather feature-less!
The same intrigue in wanting to know what was once there took hold of me now and again when I was in the general area, but it largely remains a mystery, even now – after visits to a few stretches of line to St Agnes and a couple of times to Perranporth. By studying maps and photographs I have captioned these photographs as best I’m able, but at least on two instances I am not quite sure about the direction the photographer was facing(!)
Mount Hawke Halt was the first stop on the branch from Chacewater in the Newquay direction and is pictured looking north a fair time after completion – vegetation has established itself on the sunny side of the cutting and partially the other. Photo: R McLaren. 0####AA02-MKH-STATN-VI_N
St Agnes Station looking northwards, showing the station yard to the left consisting corrugated iron pagoda and lamp store huts. A couple of camping coaches on the stub siding are locked in with a chained sleeper. Lighting has been removed. 6####GP01-SGS-STATN-VI__W
5564 and a sister class member meet across the island platform at St Agnes, the former en-route for Newquay and the latter destined for Chacewater. The running in board has had its lower edging removed and the stock is all thoroughly British Railways era. 5####BB01-SGS-s5564-PAS_O
Goonbell Halt looking east, quite some time after closure. Weeds have spread across the trackbed and part of the platform. The pagoda shelter is still resplendent in GWR chocolate and cream, though rust is beginning the show through the paintwork. 65###AD01-GON-STATN-VI_NE
Facing in the Chacewater direction, the door of Goonbell Halt waiting shelter is open and items like lamps and seats have gone. Behind the platform the access path is already badly encroached by gorse, but the insubstantial handrail stubbornly resists decay. 65###AD02-GON-STATN-VI_SW
Mithian Halt looking towards Chacewater in the early years following its completion. The traditional cast iron warning signs are up on the road, close to the gate and gas lamps fixed to posts along the platform, both sides of the waiting shelter. Photo: R McLaren. 0####AA01-MIT-STATN-VI_SW
5515 with a two coach train draws in to Mithian through the gorse-lined cutting before it. The slash in the landscape that the railway made has been softened by the undergrowth, that has even filled between the stark fencing uprights on the perimeter. 59###AB01-MIT-s5515-PAS_I
After closure, Mithian Halt remains in very similar shape to its original construction, though the trees at the top of the rise are far bigger and gorse nearly makes the entrance slope impassable. The GWR signs, lamps and running-in board have disappeared. 65###AD05-MIT-STATN-VI_SW
This is Perranporth Station looking north towards the sea – the main station for the village, though eclipsed passenger-wise in the holiday season by Beach Halt not far beyond the distant cutting. Copyright: Locomotive & General Railway Photographs. 2####AD01-PNP-STATN-VI_NW
Goonhavern Halt looking west some time after completion. The hamlet it was named after lies to the right of the station, and land opposite the platform looks as if it has been dug out for a future siding. Copyright: Locomotive & General Railway Photographs. 22###AA01-GHN-STATN-VI__W
The conductor of a Newquay service paused at Goonhavern looks back in a bemused way to the photographer, recording the scene for posterity. A woman and girl with pram walk towards the exit and a couple of workmen lurk behind the pagoda hut. 6####AT01-M&N-DMUX3-PAS_O
Goonhavern Halt looking east, some time after closure. The track and platform are covered with weeds and grass, but the shelter, sign and handrail are still as abandoned. Some items overlooked by the recovery team remain opposite the platform. 65###AD03-GHN-STATN-VI_NE
A permanent way gang pose with station staff at Shepherds on the Newquay to Chacewater Branch. The Station Building is typical GWR brick with wooden awning, a Gent’s toilet at this end, and seats and notice boards between doors and windows on its in facing side. The Signal Box can be glimpsed behind, along with rolling stock in a siding. 20###AB01-SHD-STATN-VI_SW
GWR rail motor no. 24 is pictured at Shepherds on a snowy day, surrounded by rail workers, some of whom who seem to be examining the side for some reason. It is bound for Chacewater, and snow on its lower front from an outbound trip gives the impression of four buffers . One staff member is paused and posed, shovel in hand, as the photograph is taken. 08####A01-SHD-D_TLR-PAS_I
Shepherds Station looking south west, with a passing loop, and the track to Treamble mine curving off to the right. Opposite are cattle pens, and on the platform the requisite signal box for so large a site. Copyright: Locomotive and General Railway Photographs. 2####AE01-SDS-STATN-VI_SW
The shadow of Scots Pines lie over Shepherds Station where the guard waits anxiously for the photographer to re-board a 2-car DMU on a Newquay/Chacewater service in 1962. The epitome of a loss-making country station, the camera man seems to be the sole fare-paying passenger. 62###AI01-SDS-STATN-VI__E
Puddles from a downpour remain on the platform of Shepherds Station as a Chacewater-bound train rolls into it on 26th September 1956. From left to right is Station Master’s House, corrugated iron storage hut, signal box and station building awning. The running-in board has a small flower bed planted before it, and a gas lamp nearby. Photo: H C Casserley. 560926A02-SHD-s45##-PAS_I
A Newquay Service apparently near Goonbell makes its leisurely way hauled by a 45XX tank loco on 26th September 1956. The embankment across this valley is typically overgrown by rank grass and gorse – fresh scree has been added at the far end beyond the platelayer’s hut. A minor bridge underlies the track just ahead of the locomotive. Photo: H C Casserley. . 560926A01-GON-s45##-PAS_O
The Eric Curnow Collection 