So, we start on the access road to the station from a junction on the A361. The station opened in the 1980's, yet this bridge looks a lot older - mainly because it is. This bridge (marked on some maps as Leonard Moor Bridge) used to carry the A373.

The A373 used to run from the old A38 through to Tiverton and beyond. It has taken several different routes through this specific area, although there's some routes we cannot be sure on. This photo is of what would have been a road junction on the A373 before the M5 motorway. The path through the trees to the left would have taken the A373 on a mini rollercoaster ride, whilst just out of shot to the right would have been another road (now part of the Station access road) eventually leading to the old A38 near Uffculme. Quite whether or not this was also classed as the A373 we don't know, but it's almost certain that it was always the more minor road.

We'll take a look at the main A373 first. The A373 was first diverted away from this alignment in October 1975 when the M5 motorway between here and Exeter opened. The A373 was straightened on what was a temporary, but smoother and less severe alignment, leaving this (and the station access road) abandoned. However, despite major developments in the area, the path of the old road can still be seen to this very day. This would have been the white edge line. ANd yes, the bend in the road would have been as severe as it looks in the photo!

However, it's time to throw a spanner in the works. The while line in no imaginable way lines up with the Leonard Moor Bridge. Nor is there any evidence of another parallel bridge or road alignment. The stone wall of the existing bridge can just be seen next to the white van. Every single map that shows the old alignment also confirm that this road went over that bridge - so that;s one unsolved mystery already.

Heading up the footpath. Whilst white lines are more difficult to trace, what immediately stands out are the gradient of the road (in what is a pretty flat area), and the angle the road is approaching the bridge over the railway at.

Looking back down the hill with more evidence of white lines.

At this point, any evidence of the old road disappears (the very end of the old tarmac can be seen at the very bottom). The oldest alignment would have taken a sharp right here to head over the railway bridge. Both the new temporary alignment and the modern dual carriageway head straignt across here.

Through the gate, and out onto the modern day A361. The modern concrete railway bridge and the M5 roundabout are very close by.

Back at the bottom of the track, any evidence of the old alignment has sadly been obliterated until the other side of the Leonard Moor Bridge.

Looking out over a small lake. The modern A361 can be seen in the background on the embankment, with the old track behind the trees to the left.

On the Station approach road now. Any evidence of the old road to Uffculme has been removed by the Parkway station - apart from maybe that bit of dirt approaching the gates. The road crossed the railway at a Level Crossing here, so it is possible, though not guaranteed.

Back at the old road junction - very little evidence of what existed. Even in recent months, the scene has changed drastically - that car park and footbridge is very new.

It is impossible to get the white line and the bridge in the same shot, but to put things into prespective, the fence on the right is the same one the road goes into 4 photos back. It is possible that the road crossed the stream over another bridge, but the new pedestrian bridge will have destroyed any evidence of that.

A farm track heading away and passing under the newest A361 (note the bizarre embankment on a bridge). Also note how there is notrace of the old road, despite the fact that this would have been pretty much exactly where it would have crossed. The different tarmac on the track further down has nothing to do with it.

A map to hopefully help you get your head around where we are!

On Leonard Moor Bridge itself now. The old A373 would have dived off to the left here and up that track. That mysterious white line would have seemingly emerged well off to the left of here, indicating a second bridge. However, you can see a slight kink in the brickwork of the bridge - pointing towards the track. Presumably, if this did carry the A373, this would have been the start of the bend in the road to the left. If anyone does have more information, photos, maps, documents etc etc that could help solve the mystery, then please get in touch! (See home page of DRAS for details).

Away from that track now, we look west from Leonard Moor Bridge towards Tiverton (away from the station). You can easily see how this has an "old main road" feel to it. As I say, the car park on the right is almost brand new.

More white lines, though thankfully this one doesn't give us a headache!

It is remarkable that it has survived over 30 years since the road was diverted.

But up ahead, it disappears and the verge changes. Thankfully, we can explain this one. It's all to do with the coming of the M5 motorway.

In October 1975, not only did the M5 open, but the A373 changed course. In this field, we can clearly see the startof an embankment, which curves away towards the modern A361. Whilst the car park has destroyed a lot beyond the hedge, the course of this temporary road is clear. It lasted 8 years before being closed with the coming of the modern day dual carriageway.

Looking at where the newer alignment would have met the old one. Another development has been built on the old road, but it is obviouls how they would have merged.

A composting site - how rubbish. (Sorry!). Not much evidence of old tarmac, sadly.

Sorry about that bush to the left, but you can just see how the old road would have gone off ot the right (as it does today), with the temporary alignment diving off to the left.