Although much of the track bed survives intact , several obstacles -- including Wistlandpound Reservoir -- must be overcome to restore most of the old route . Although much of the track bed survives intact , several obstacles -- including Wistlandpound Reservoir -- must be overcome if the greater part of the route is to be restored , fulfilling the hopes expressed in a card left at Barnstaple on the day after the line closed -- Perchance it is not dead , but sleepeth ...