Warning to locals as 100-year-old railway reappears on popular beach

Bude: A historic railway has popped up on a beach in Cornwall, and it’s causing quite a stir. After some rough weather, the sand covering the old tracks on Summerleaze Beach washed away, revealing the rusty metal beneath.

Neil Williams, a local, took to Facebook to warn beachgoers about the jagged edges of the tracks. He said, “If you surf at Summerleaze Beach, be careful! The strong river flow has uncovered some old train tracks that could hurt you or damage your gear.”

This railway is believed to be part of a tramway that used to transport sand from the beach to Launceston back in the mid-20th century. Local history enthusiasts think these tracks, dating back to around 1924, were used to move sand for fertilizer and ship ballast.

Operations stopped in the early 1940s as motor vehicles became more common, leaving the hidden tracks as the only reminder of this once-busy transport route. Interestingly, strong storms have revealed these tracks a couple of times in the last decade, first in 2018 and then again in 2022.

Lisa Vincent, a Bude resident, spotted them three years ago and said, “I’ve lived here for 20 years and never seen them before!” Bude, a charming coastal town, was named the best place to live in Cornwall last year by Muddy Stilettos.

It became a popular spot for tourists in the 1900s thanks to new rail links, and while it’s less crowded than Newquay, house prices have still shot up, with average properties going for around £400,000 in 2024.

Bude has a lot to offer beyond its historic railway, too. There’s a vibrant food and culture scene, with places like The Wyldes music venue and the Michelin Guide-featured restaurant Temple. Plus, the award-winning Norton Barton Artisan Food Village is nearby.

Despite the hidden railway, tourists still flock to Summerleaze Beach. One visitor called it a “fantastic little beach” with clean waters and great amenities, while others raved about the soft sand and stunning views.