Flooded Routes Complicate Travel Plans Across Southwest England

Travel around Devon and Cornwall is still proving difficult for visitors, with flooding after Storm Chandra continuing to disrupt major transport routes into early February. Prolonged heavy rain in late January left parts of the region waterlogged, limiting rail access to several popular destinations. With further unsettled weather expected, travellers heading to southwest England are being advised to plan carefully and expect continued disruption at the start of February.

Several rail routes commonly used by visitors remain unavailable, reducing access to parts of Devon and Cornwall that are normally easy to reach by train. The affected lines include:

• Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple, limiting rail travel to North Devon
• Exeter St Davids to Okehampton via Crediton, affecting access to inland destinations
• Liskeard to Looe, a key route for coastal travel
• Par to Newquay, used by travellers heading toward Cornwall’s north coast

Replacement buses are operating on some coastal routes, but poor road conditions mean alternatives are not available everywhere, leaving travellers with fewer options and longer journey times.

Travel Impact Across Devon and Cornwall

Looking ahead, additional rainfall forecast for Monday and into Tuesday could worsen conditions. Rain may become persistent for a time, particularly later on Monday and overnight, with the highest totals expected over higher ground. With soil already holding large amounts of water, additional rainfall could still cause new flooding, raising the risk of delays, closed routes, and last-minute changes to travel plans.

Visitors currently in Devon and Cornwall, or planning to arrive soon, should prepare for disruption beyond rail travel. Checking transport schedules shortly before departure is essential, and travellers relying on road travel should review conditions in advance. Those staying in low lying or rural areas may want to prepare for possible power cuts by keeping phones charged and having basic supplies ready, especially if plans depend on evening travel.

This situation shows how rapidly changing weather can alter travel plans in southwest England. Limited transport options may interfere with day trips, onward travel, and accommodation arrangements, particularly in destinations typically served by branch rail routes. Travellers who allow extra flexibility and stay alert to local updates are better placed to adapt as weather disruption continues.