West of England Line – Full Timetable Reinstated – 29 November 2025
South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail have today, Saturday 29 November, restored hourly train services between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids, with the full West of England timetable returning to operation.
Earlier this year, the UK experienced its driest spring and hottest summer on record, which caused clay embankments between Salisbury and Exeter to dry out and destabilise. This ground movement affected track levels, preventing engineers from completing repairs and requiring speed restrictions between Gillingham and Axminster to ensure the safe running of trains.
Following cooler temperatures and significant autumn rainfall, the embankments have rehydrated and stabilised. Network Rail engineers have been carrying out extensive tamping work to restore track levels. With the line now returning to its normal condition, speed restrictions are being lifted and the regular timetable is being reinstated.
Journey planners are up to date, and customers can plan their journeys as normal via the South Western Railway website. SWR and Network Rail would like to thank customers and stakeholders for their patience during this period of amended services.
Kind regards
South Western Railway and Network Rail
