30 members, family and friends enjoyed the Society’s 2025 summer outing on Sunday 15th June, touring old Devon General routes around Dartmoor. Transport for the day was the Devon General Omnibus Trust’s preserved 1957 AEC Reliance VDV 798, which during its career spent some time based at Moretonhampstead depot.
A souvenir programme was produced for the participants. You can download it here:
The tour started in Exeter at Sowton Park & Ride, and after further pick-ups in the city centre and St David’s Station, headed out to Moretonhampstead on the old 19 route. After a short break at Moretonhampstead to view the former Devon General depot in Court Street – most recently a motor museum, but now up for sale – SR798 followed the 16 route to Chagford, where a break was taken in the Square.
The tour continued via the 16 route to Okehampton until turning off and heading up to the railway station where a late lunch was taken. The station is the terminus of the line to Exeter that reopened for regular passenger services in November 2021. Members were able to view the Southern Railway-themed buildings and visit the Bulleid Buffet.
For the final leg of the tour SR798 followed the old Service 6 route back to Exeter.
VDV 798 at Sowton Park & Ride
VDV 798 at Moretonhampstead
VDV 798 at Chagford
VDV 798 at Okehampton Station
Thanks to Martin White for the images.
Posted 18th June 2025
