Liskeard to Looe – Looe Valley Line

Journey Overview

This gripping, perfect, picture postcard journey starts in a deeply wooded valley teeming with wildlife and then meanders past rolling countryside, of bushes, fields, blooming flowers and a wonderful variety of trees. The train stops at some of the quietest stations in the UK, Coombe Junction, St. Keyne Wishing Well Halt, Causeland and Sandplace are little more than platforms set in the most serene and deepest of countryside, but also the gateway for some great rambles, as well as pub tours!  St Keyne Wishing Well Halt is named after the nearby ancient wishing well. Legend has it that a wish made here will come true, adding a touch of folklore and local mystique to this enchanted scenic sojourn.

Onwards the journey continues and glorious estuary views emerge with Looe getting closer and the East Looe River meeting the sea – the view is particularly entrancing during high tide. The river is full of wading birds such as Litte egrets, Grey herons, Oystercatchers and Curlews – it’s a haven for wildlife lovers.

The journey concludes in Looe, but a new adventure starts and there’s so much to see and do in this fascinating fishing town, which is resplendent in charm and character and a fitting denouement to this lovely train ride!

The Looe Valley Line has a rich history. It was built to supplement the Liskeard & Looe Union Canal, opening from Moorswater – on the valley floor, beyond today’s Coombe Junction Halt – to Looe for goods traffic on 27 December 1860. It didn’t open for passenger trains until 11 September 1879.

Liskeard was finally reached with the opening of the horseshoe curve up from Coombe Junction on 15 May 1901.

For more on the history of the line, visit  Looe Rail Heritage (greatscenicrailways.co.uk)

There, you will also find a free rail heritage app to download – this is great to accompany your trip on the line.

A Fab Day Out!

Starting your day at Liskeard, explore the historic market town with its vibrant local shops, cafés, and the beautiful Stuart House. The town’s rich history is evident in its architecture, and a visit to the Liskeard Museum offers intriguing insights into the area’s mining past.

Explore the Looe Valley Line Heritage Centre on Liskeard station’s Platform 3, then board the  train and make your first stop at Causeland, a quiet, rural station. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquillity and perhaps a leisurely walk along the surrounding footpaths that offer a serene escape into nature. Causeland is the station for the small village of Duloe, which is best known for its stone circle which is situated in the centre of the village. The circle is unusual in that it is made of quartz and is the smallest in Cornwall. Stop off for lunch in The Plough, which has a fab selection of fresh, locally produced food!

Back on the train to Looe. Explore East Looe’s bustling quay, sandy beach, and the maze of narrow streets filled with shops and seafood restaurants. Cross the bridge to West Looe for quieter, scenic views and a visit to the Looe Island Nature Reserve. Conclude your fantastic day with a leisurely stroll along the South West Coast Path, offering stunning views of the coastline, before taking the train back to Liskeard, reflecting on a day rich with diverse and delightful Cornish experiences.