This is one of the most picturesque railways in the country. It opened in 1860 to serve the granite and copper mines of Bodmin Moor, following the towpath of a canal that had been built in 1828. Passenger service started in 1879, and in 1901 the line was extended by a steep, almost circular section that approaches the main line at Liskeard. The single track follows the valley of the East Looe River, passing four tiny intermediate stations before terminating beside the pretty tidal estuary of Looe.
