Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

This historic Victorian railway opened in 1890 and has connected the twin towns of Lynton & Lynmouth ever since. The 862 feet of track rises 500 feet with an impressive gradient of 57% providing stunning views across Lynmouth Bay.

The two cars, connected by hauling cables, operate on a simple balancing principle. Water from the West Lyn River fills the 700 gallon tank of the top ‘docked’ passenger car. Water from the lower car is then discharged until the heavier top car descends and pulls the lower car up the incline. Speed is controlled by the driver using the ‘Deadmans’ Handle’, a braking system engineered and patented for this railway in 1888, and the 19th century forerunner of modern train braking systems.

With no need for electricity, gas or diesel to re-pump the water to the top station the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is the UK’s only fully water powered railway, a listed heritage monument, and a superb example of Victorian engineering.