Further Afield

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway - Derbyshire

Just below the little town of Wirksworth is this railway, lovingly restored by enthusiastic volunteers. There has been a station on this site since the 8.5 mile branch from Duffield was opened by the Midland Railway in 1867.  Agricultural traffic led to the railway being known as the Milk and Honey Line.

Generations of stone train drivers and guards went up and down the 1 in 30 incline to Ravenstor collecting limestone from the local quarries.  Now a new platform has been built and for the first time passengers can travel the 1 km section of this restored line.

There is also an extensive station yard, which originally had its own engine shed, complete with inspection pit, a 42 foot turntable, water tower and goods shed.  Shunting was a daily event, with the resultant noise and smoke, as up to 400,000 tonnes of stone a year was taken down to the main line at Duffield.

It is also possible to see the tunnels leading to the station yard.  One goes right under the centre of the town of Wirksworth.  Despite being only 491 yards (450m) long, when it opened on 17th November 1877, it was a matter for local celebration complete with military band.

It was built because of the amount of congestion in the town caused by the horse drawn wagons moving stone from Dale Quarry on the west, to the station on the east.  It is 17ft (5.2m) high and 15ft (4.6m) wide, cut through rock and only brick lined at each end.

There is also a tunnel for the narrow-gauge railway.  It was built in 1880 from the quarry, and passed under the Station Master's garden to the station yard.  The wagons were probably pushed  by hand.

Every weekend volunteers main the trains, with frequent Special Events.

There is also an information centre, museum,  toilets and tea machine.

For a more personal account of Ecclesbourne Valley Railway click here

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