The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (L&BR) has published a five-year Strategic Plan that aims to create a world-class narrow-gauge railway for everyone.

The plan was developed and agreed by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust and the Community Interest Company, which recognised that the railway is at a pivotal moment in its evolution through improvements to its existing sites and the increasing size of its rolling stock fleet.

A closer relationship has also been established with the Barnstaple & Yeo Valley Railway Trust, which is developing the southern end of the former line and seeks to increase the length of the operational railway.

To ensure members, partners, and stakeholders have a clear vision of the railway’s priorities and direction, the Strategic Plan sets out its vision, values, ambitions and aims, as well as how members will be informed of progress at the Annual General Meeting.

Giles Perkins, Chair of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust, set himself the goal that within the first 100 days of taking up his new role, he would provide clarity on the direction of the railway.

The Strategic Plan clearly defines the priorities for the period to 2031, and sets out to provide the much-needed transparency that is essential in providing confidence to everyone involved in developing the railway. The railway’s Strategic Plan for the five years from 2026 to 2031 can be downloaded here.

“This strategic plan provides the evidence and background to our operation and development, as well as setting out our ambitions and aims for the next 5-years. It has been developed and adopted by the Joint Board of the L&BR (Trust and Community Interest Company) and will inform our future decisions and activities. Progress will be reported via our Annual General Meeting process, and this document will be reviewed in Winter 2028 / 2029 (midway during the plan period).”

“We hope that you find this Strategic Plan: 2026 to 2031 useful, and that it inspires you to get involved with this amazing world-famous narrow-gauge railway. We recognise that to realise this vision takes resources, skills, dedication and funding, all of which come from a broad church of individuals, groups and organisations. We also recognise that we all continue to experience economic challenges, and as a part of the heritage tourism sector, we must continue to be creative so that we can thrive.”

Giles Perkins, Chair of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust