A network of cross-country routes linked these main lines, and there were also many and varied branch lines. Some were short, such as the 3+1⁄2-mile (5.6 km) Clevedon branch line;[39] others were much longer such as the 23-mile (37 km) Minehead Branch.[40] A few were promoted and built by the GWR to counter competition from other companies, such as the Reading to Basingstoke Line to keep the London and South Western Railway away from Newbury.[3] However, many were built by local companies that then sold their railway to their larger neighbour; examples include the Launceston[41] and Brixham[42] branches. Further variety came from the traffic carried: holidaymakers (St Ives);.[43] royalty (Windsor);[44] or just goods traffic (Carbis Wharf).[45]