Train services between Liskeard and Looe will be severely affected for the next two weeks because of urgent work alongside the line.

From Monday, 8th to Saturday, 13th and Monday, 15th to Friday, 19th December, Network Rail will be carrying out essential tree and vegetation clearance on the scenic line through the Looe Valley.

To ensure the continuance of reliable and safe services along the branch line, Network Rail staff will be cutting back overgrown bushes and trees. Their removal will help to minimise delays resulting from fallen tree branches and vegetation on tracks.

During the two weeks that the work takes place, there will be no trains between Liskeard and Looe, with a rail replacement bus service operating between Liskeard station, St Keyne village, Duloe village, Sandplace, and Looe stations Unfortunately, the buses will not stop at Coombe Junction Halt, and anyone wishing to travel to or from this station should contact GWR staff for further information.

The closure of the Looe branch line will not affect train services on the Cornish main line at Liskeard.

Further information about this work can be found online at GWR.com/Upgrade.

Network Rail is planning further vegetation clearance work on the line from Liskeard to Looe from Monday, 23rd February to Friday, 6th March 2026.

In 2024, services on the line to Looe were affected by flooding and by work to upgrade signals throughout Cornwall.

Chris O’Connell, Network Rail portfolio manager, cemented that overgrown trees and bushes can damage trains or block the driver’s view, so it’s vital to keep the railway clear.

“This investment is part of a wider rail improvement programme to ensure the ongoing reliability of a key leisure route for the region. Buses will replace all train services between Liskeard and Looe, some running non-stop and some stopping at St Keyne, Duloe and Sandplace. We will also provide onward travel for customers between Liskeard and Coombe Junction Halt. It’s important customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements will make their journey times longer, so please plan ahead.”

Sharon Holloway, GWR Station Manager for Plymouth and East Cornwall