Situated some 110 metres above sea level, Copplestone is both the highest point on
the line and the peninsula watershed, all rivers along the line to the south draining
eventually into the Exe, and those to the north winding their way towards the Bristol
Channel. The station also marked the furthest point from Exeter to which a double
row of track was once provided. This twin track, laid in 1883, remained in operation
for 88 years. In 1889 a watertank was installed at the south end of the up platform
to supply thirsty steam locomotives. The surrounding population fell by some 45%
between 1871 and 1971, but has since increased dramatically with a number of new
housing estates appearing in Copplestone since the start of the present century.
In common with several stations along the Tarka Line, Copplestone in its heyday sported
cattlepens and a slaughterhouse at the northern end of the down platform, and both
five- and two-tonne cranes.
If you turn right at the end of the station approach road and very carefully follow the main road a short distance in the Barnstaple direction, you’ll come across a period cottage on the right -- the boyhood home of Ernest Bevin (1881-1951). This locally educated child of a single mother went on to become co-founder of the Transport & General Workers’ Union (1921), a respected Minister of Labour in Churchill’s wartime cabinet and Clement Atlee’s Foreign Secretary.
There is limited parking at the station, and a shop, post office and pub (of sorts) in the village.