Scenic Britain by Train 09.pdf - Association of Community Rail ...

2009/10 Edition
SCENIC
BRITAIN
by train
Your guide to travelling around the country by train

TRANSPORT
For reasons of clarity, location
numbers are shown in the
approximate centre of the
railway line or network
Belfast
29 *
Not part of the
*
Free Enquiry Service
Glasgow
1
14
13
Inverness
27
Aberdeen
28
Edinburgh
26
25 24
22
23
2
21 20
16 17 15
12
11
3
cenic Britain by Train is
Scompiled and published by
the Association of Community
Rail Partnerships in conjunction
with Transport Marketing,
Community Rail Partnerships,
local authorities, train
operators, heritage railways
and other organisations as
depicted in this booklet.
Requests for additional copies
of Scenic Britain by Train can
be sent to the address on the
pre-paid response form in the
back of this booklet. To obtain
copies of Scenic Britain by Bus
go to www.scenicbritainbybus
.com or email scenicbritain@simonholt
marketing.com or write to Freepost
RSBT-CEBC-ULRA, Simon Holt Marketing
Services, Wlmslow SK9 5EU.
Your editor gets out and about by train
frequently working with Community Rail
Partnerships around the country. All
the lines in this booklet have
something to offer a wide range of
visitors, from the rural branch lines
Photo:
Ash Mills
in Devon and Cornwall to the great lines that traverse
rural Wales and Scotland to the super Settle to
9
5
Carlisle Railway or indeed the seaside attractions
of Blackpool, Shanklin or Bridlington!
If you are not very good at travelling light, base
yourself near one of the countless stations
listed in this booklet and use one of the huge
range of Day or Weekly ranger tickets
to explore the surrounding areas
by train. Details of some of
these can be found in section
26 or visit the National
Rail website at
www.nationalrail.co.uk –
you’ll never have a better holiday!
Happy travelling!
Brian Barnsley, ACoRP
4
6 The tear-out FREEPOST response
form at the back of this booklet will help
you plan your trip. Just circle the numbers of
the areas you wish to visit and we will forward your
enquiries to the organisations concerned. Please mention Scenic
Britain by Train when contacting any of the organisations that appear
in this booklet.
M A R K E T I N G
Front Cover: The scenic Penistone line in South Yorkshire.
Photo: ACoRP/Brian Barnsley. Printed by Clarkeprint Ltd. © Transport Marketing/ACoRP. May 2009
19
18
8
7
10
Salisbury Cathedral
(see section 3)
PROMO TING
PUB LIC
TRANSPORT
SCENIC
BRITAIN
by bus
Your guide to travelling around the country by bus

1
GREAT SCENIC RAILWAYS OF DEVON & CORNWALL
The railways of Devon & Cornwall offer some of the
most scenic journeys in Britain.
rom magnificent sea and river views, to gently rolling
Fcountryside, small westcountry villages to historic
market towns, see the Westcountry off the beaten track
from the train.
The diverse landscapes of both Devon & Cornwall
create a wonderful backdrop to many rail journeys
including both main and branch line services. A number
of publications including Line Guides, Rail Ale Trails and
even a Trails from the Track pack have been produced
by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership to encourage
leisure trips on the two counties’ scenic railways. All
leaflets are available from local staffed stations, Tourist
Information Centres or from the Devon & Cornwall Rail
Partnership on 01752 233094.
St Ives Bay Line (Penzance – St. Erth – St. Ives)
Undoubtedly the best way to arrive in St. Ives is by train.
Join the branch line from the main line station at
St. Erth, or use the summer Park and Ride facilities at
Lelant Saltings.
Soak in the dramatic views as the line sweeps
alongside the golden sands of Hayle Towans, through
Carbis Bay and on to St. Ives with panoramic views of
craggy cliffs and the colourful harbour.
Exeter – Newton Abbot & Paignton
One of the most scenic stretches of main line railway in
Europe, the line from Exeter to Newton Abbot sweeps
along the sea wall and offers spectacular views of the
River Exe estuary, English Channel coastline and magnificent
red cliffs.
Enjoy riding right alongside the sea from the Exe estuary to
Teignmouth before entering the Teign estuary and
travelling inland to the market town of Newton Abbot. Here
the line divides. One line runs to Plymouth while the other
continues to Torquay and Paignton.
Plymouth - Penzance
The Cornish main line is an enjoyable experience in its
own right. Starting at Plymouth with the splendour of
Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar, the
route finishes with breath-taking views across the sea
to St. Michael’s Mount near Penzance, in the magical far
south west of Britain.
Looe Valley Line (Liskeard – Looe)
One of Britain’s most unusual branch lines starts from
its own newly restored station, at right angles to the
main line, in the historic market town of Liskeard.
On leaving Liskeard the line curves and drops sharply to
the quiet junction at Coombe. Here the train changes
direction for the seven mile trip along the East Looe
River valley before arriving in the popular fishing port
and seaside resort of Looe. The last two miles of the
journey are along the banks of the river, one of the most
scenic stretches of railway in the country and a delight
at high or low tide. There’s usually much of interest for
birdwatchers in particular.
The stations along the route are ideal for country walks.
Details of ten self guided walks from Looe Valley Line
stations can be found at www.trailsfromthetrack.com.
A free Looe Valley Line guide is available.
Looe Valley Line
Between Dawlish and Teignmouth

•
Tamar Valley Line
(Plymouth – Calstock & Gunnislake)
A varied and scenic line following the River Tamar
from Plymouth in Devon, through the Tamar Valley’s
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Gunnislake in
Cornwall, crossing over the splendid Calstock Viaduct
en route.
The valley was once a busy copper mining and
market gardening area. Today reminders of its
industrial past, together with a
few cultivated slopes can be
seen from the train.
See panel on next page for
details of the Dartmoor Sunday
Rover. A Tamar Valley Line Guide is
available free of charge.
Tarka Line (Exeter – Barnstaple)
The Tarka Line runs for 39 miles from
South to North Devon connecting the historic
city of Exeter to the ancient market town of
Barnstaple. Along the way it follows the
gentle river valleys of the Yeo and the
Taw, and travels through the sort of
green and rolling landscape for
which Devon is famous.
The line passes through the
heart of Mid Devon linking many
small towns and villages to the bustling shopping
and commercial centres
at either end.
St Ives Bay Line
Calstock Viaduct
Barnstaple station is the starting point for the Tarka
Trail, which offers miles of safe traffic-free cycling.
Cycle hire is available at the station (Easter-
October) with discounts for rail passengers.
Tel: 01271 324202 or visit www.tarkabikes.co.uk
Tarka Line
▼
▼
Continued on next page

1
GREAT SCENIC RAILWAYS OF
DEVON & CORNWALL continued
•
The Avocet Line (Exeter - Exmouth)
Travel between Exeter and the popular seaside resort
of Exmouth along the eastern side of the River Exe
estuary, an area of international importance for its
birdlife. Look across and you may see a main line train
heading for Cornwall or London.
Exmouth has a long sandy beach and is ideal for
watersports, or a stroll along the promenade.
Rail Ale Trails
For something a little different, why not take one of the
Devon and Cornwall Rail Ale Trails. There are six in all.
Each Rail Ale Trail highlights a range of distinctive, real
ale serving pubs ideally located within easy walking
distance of branch line stations. Collect the unique stamps from
a number of pubs and you could qualify for a range of Rail Ale
Trail souvenirs, including tourshirts, stickers and enamel badges.
For further details about Rail Ale Trails, visit
www.railaletrail.com or call 01752 233094.
Dartmoor Sunday Rover
On Sundays, the Dartmoor Sunday Rover ticket allows a day's
unlimited travel on two rail lines (Plymouth – Gunnislake Tamar
Valley Line and the Summer Sundays only Dartmoor Line to
Okehampton), plus a network of buses across Dartmoor with links to
Plymouth, Exeter, Barnstaple and Bude. For further details visit
www.greatscenicrailways.com or call 01752 233094.
Rail Rovers and Rangers
Rail Rovers are available allowing you to explore the region’s rail
network using just one value-for-money ticket. Day Ranger
tickets are available allowing the freedom of Cornwall or Devon's
rail network for the day. Most branch lines also have their own
day Ranger, perfect for exploring.
St Ives Bay Line
Trails from the track
There are some great walks from
stations on the Great Scenic Railways of
Devon & Cornwall. Find out more at
www.trailsfromthetrack.com or call
01752 233094 and we will send you
free details.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, University of
Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
Tel/Fax: 01752 233094 Email: railpart@plymouth.ac.uk
Rail Services: www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Tourist: www.visitcornwall.com
Information: www.discoverdevon.com
National Rail Enquiries j 08457 48 49 50
Website: www.greatscenicrailways.com
www.railaletrail.com
www.trailsfromthetrack.com
Photos courtesy of The Round Galley
Calstock Viaduct

2 THE HEART OF WESSEX LINE •
his line runs through the heart of the old kingdom of
Tthe West Saxons, the ancient name of Wessex not
heard again for centuries until poet and author Thomas
Hardy recreated it as his ‘dream country’. The perfect
route to go Far from the Madding Crowd, through serene
river valleys, rolling pasturelands and traditional market
towns. Stop off at Freshford, Bruton, Yetminster or
Maiden Newton to experience English village life almost
untouched by time. From Bristol the line runs first
through the deep, green Avon Valley, winding between
the river and the Kennet and Avon Canal – stop at
Avoncliff to join the peaceful canal footpath. After the
ancient weaving town of Bradford
on Avon, with its Saxon church
and medieval tythe barn, the line
leaves the deep valleys for views
over the broad Wiltshire plains to the
famous Westbury White Horse, Alfred’s
Tower, the cider orchards of Somerset,
Cadbury Castle (believed to be King Arthur’s
Camelot), and distant honey coloured church
spires built with wealth from the medieval wool
trade. Discover Hardy country from
‘Casterbridge’ (Dorchester), still a
traditional market town with
fascinating vestiges of prehistoric
and Roman settlement. Passing the
great hill fort of Maiden Castle,
the line sweeps over the
South Dorset Downs, down
to the World Heritage
Jurassic Coast and the
enchanting seaside resort of
Weymouth.
In addition to the stations shown,
the service also stops at Oldfield
Park, Keynsham, Freshford,
Avoncliff, Thornford and Chetnole.
Dundas Aqueduct
Maiden Newton
Photo: Catherine Phillips
Exploring
Access to lovely
countryside, market
towns and villages and
to the Kennet and Avon
Canal. Dorset AONB and
Countryside specialists
have developed our guide
to walks from stations.
Guided walks from
stations along the line
run from June to
September. See
www.heartofwessex.org
for more details.
Photo: Edward Parker
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.heartofwessex.org.uk
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
TRAIN OPERATOR
First Great Western j 08457 000 125
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Bradford on Avon j 01225 865797
Frome j 01373 467271
Yeovil j 01935 845946
Dorchester j 01305 267992
Weymouth j01305 785747

3
ISLE OF WIGHT, LYMINGTON – BROCKENHURST AND
Bristol
Exeter
Basingstoke
London
The Three Rivers SALISBURY
The railway lines
Dean
radiating from Southampton, which
link into all longer distance rail lines, also
link the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury through
tranquil countryside to dockside.
Places to visit
Marwell Wildlife – 140 acre landscaped
park home to over 250 exotic and
endangered species.
Montisfont Abbey – 12th Century
Augustinian Priory (National Trust) set in
stunning scenery.
Romsey – Wonderful Market town with
nearby Romsey Abbey and Broadlands,
Lord Mountbatten’s former home.
Salisbury – Famed for its cathedral, River Test, Romsey
racecourse, shops, theatre and access to
nearby Stonehenge.
Sir Harold Hiller Gardens – World renowned arboretum.
Southampton – Great shopping and cruIse liner port, with
links to the Isle of Wight.
Montisfont
Photo: Andrew Eberlin
Mottisfont
& Dunbridge
Photo: Tim Mills
Ashurst
Romsey
Beaulieu Road
Millbrook
Chandlers
Ford
Eastleigh
Southampton
Airport
Swaythling
Redbridge
Winchester
London
St Denys
SOUTHAMPTON
Central
The Lymington to Brockenhurst Line
In the heart of the New Forest the Lymington –
Brokenhurst Line connects the main line railway from
London Waterloo and
Bournemouth and Weymouth to
the charming harbour town of
Lymington, with connections to
the Isle of Wight at Yarmouth.
Places to Visit
Brockenhurst – A lovely New
Forest Village set amongst
delightful landscapes.
BROCKENHURST
Bournemouth
Weymouth
LYMINGTON
Harbour
LYMINGTON
Town
New Forest
Photo:
Steve Humby
Lymington Harbour
Photo: Andy Long
Yarmouth
Isle of Wight
The New Forest – England’s newest National Park. There
is a wealth of places to visit and explore from gardens and
museums to leisure and wildlife farms and parks, plus
much, much more.
Lymington – A sailing haven, plus great shops, great places
to stay, great places to eat, and a super Annual Arts Festival.

THREE RIVERS RAILWAYS
Isle of Wight
The super little railway on the
island starts at Ryde Pierhead
connecting with the ferry from
the mainland. It continues down
the pier to Ryde and then on
through rolling countryside to its
final destination, the seaside
town ShanklIn. On its way it
connects at Ryde Esplanade for
Bursledon
Cowes
Botley
Swanwick
Fareham
RYDE
Pierhead
Smallbrook
Junction
SHANKLIN
Ryde Pierhead
buses throughout the lsland, and at Smallbrook Junction
with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Boasting award-winning beaches, unspoilt and
spectacular scenery and a rich historical heritage, there
are attractions, activities and adventures to suit visitors
of all ages and nationalities. Discover picturesque
villages, spectacular cliffs, downland, sandy beaches,
lush farmlands, creeks, marshland, river valleys, and
a rich diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna.
More than half the Island is an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, with 500
miles of award-winning public
footpaths and bridleways, while
almost 30 miles of its seashore is
designated Heritage Coast.
Portsmouth
Harbour
RYDE
Esplanade
RYDE
St Johns Road
Brading
Sandown
Lake
Photo:
Andy Long
Cosham
Fratton
Portsmouth
& Southsea
Places to Visit
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will take you back in
time to a more leisurely world with a slow steam-hauled
train ride.
Sandown – Sheltered in a
beautiful bay, Sandown is
famed for its golden sandy
beach, traditional seafront
and Victorian pier.
Shanklin – With its beautiful
beach and gardens, its
history and tradition,
Shanklin is a charming
town. Start with a cliff-top
walk for spectacular views
Beach Huts, Photo: Deborah
over Sandown Bay. Shanklin
Lord
Island Line
Photo: Andy Long
FURTHER INFORMATION
First Great Western Trains
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Forest Leisure Cycling j 01425 403584
Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership
www.isleofwightcrp.co.uk
Isle of Wight Tourism
www.islandbreaks.co.uk j 01983 813813
South West Trains
www.southwesttrains.co.uk
Southern Vectis
www.islandbuses.info
The Lymington to Brocklehurst Line
www.lymington-brocklehurst.co.uk
The New Forest
www.thenewforest.co.uk
Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership
www.threeriversrail.com
•
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Romsey Tourist Information j 01794 512987
Salisbury Tourist Information j 01722 334956
Southampton Tourist Information j 02380 833333

4 BRIGHTON & HOVE •
he City of Brighton & Hove makes a perfect base for
Texploring a large part of the south-east of England by
rail. Less than an hour from London, Brighton & Hove can
also be reached by direct trains from as far afield as
Reading, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham and Bedford.
And what better place to base yourself for the discovery of the
sunny south of England. Nestling between the South Downs and
the English Channel, the city is a vibrant mixture of Regency
architecture, contrasting shopping areas and seaside fun.
For some exciting days out, let’s start by taking the East
Coastway Line. The first major port of call is Lewes, the
delightful capital of East Sussex which is dominated by a
magnificent castle. Some trains branch off at Lewes to
follow the river Ouse through a gap in the South Downs to
the sea. Alight at Newhaven to view its fascinating fort or
even take a ferry across to Dieppe; carry on to Seaford for
some wonderful cliff top walks and views.
The main line from Lewes continues to Eastbourne, relax on
its flower-bedecked promenade or take a bus ride up to
Beachy Head; Pevensey has one of Britain’s oldest castles;
Bexhill the famous De la Warr Pavilion and Hastings its
picturesque old town. An hourly fast service links Brighton
and Ashford, via Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings, and the
ancient town of Rye. As well as its Eurostar connections,
Ashford is the gateway for exploring Kent by train.
Now we’ll take the West Coastway Line from Brighton or Hove to the
seaside towns of Shoreham, Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis.
Arundel (change required at Barnham) has the second largest castle in the
country, dominating the surrounding area.
Beyond lies the lovely cathedral city of Chichester, followed by Fishbourne
where several Roman mosaic floors are housed in buildings close to the
station. And then to Portsmouth. There, you can take a ferry to the Isle of
Wight but there are more than enough sites of naval interest for you to enjoy
a whole day in Portsmouth too.
North from Brighton or Hove is Haywards Heath for bus connections to the
Bluebell Line in season, or stay on the train for a stress-free trip to
London.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Brighton & Hove City Council’s
Public Transport Team j 01273 292480
email: local.transport@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Southampton
Winchester
Wales
Guildford
London
Havant
London, Bedford,
Reading, The Midlands
North West
Gatwick
Airport
TOURIST INFORMATION AND ACCOMMODATION
j 0906 7112255 (calls cost 50p per minute
standard rate) www.visitbrighton.com
Portsmouth
Harbour
Royal Pavilion
Brighton
“Oh, I do like to be
beside the seaside…”
Haywards
Heath
Horsham
London
Lewes
Chichester Arundel
HOVE
BRIGHTON
Worthing
Littlehampton
Bognor
Regis
Newhaven
Seaford
Dieppe (Ferry)
Photo:
TM
Photo:
TM
Ideas for further
exploration
With the East and
West Coastway Lines,
paralleling the South
Downs and coast
between Havant and
Eastbourne, there is
no shortage of
opportunities for
getting out at some of
the smaller stations
along the line to enjoy
a walk. Armed with
the relevant
Pathfinder map head
up into the Downs or
walk a section of
coast and return from
another station.
Alight at Southease
between Lewes and Newhaven for
direct access onto the Downs via
the South Downs Way. Near
Berwick between Lewes and
Eastbourne, you’ll find Arlington
Reservoir with various waymarked
walks. At weekends, a bus
connects Berwick Station with
Alfriston and many other parts of
the South Downs.
For a shorter trip, just right for a
summer’s evening, take the train
to Falmer (between Brighton and
Lewes) for the delightful Stanmer
Park or to Hassocks, a stop or two
up the London Line and a good
setting off point for a walk to the
Jack and Jill Windmills.
www.visitbrighton.com
Eastbourne
Tunbridge Wells
London
Bexhill
Ashford
for Kent
and Paris
Hastings

5 HERTFORDSHIRE •
ying to the North of Greater London, Hertfordshire enjoys good railway
Llinks with the capital. Within an hour, you can enjoy open countryside
and travel to numerous interesting towns and attractions.
From London Euston, London Midland trains will take you to the bustling
town of Watford and out into the countryside to Hemel Hempstead, with
its attractive old town. Further along the line are the fascinating market
towns of Berkhamsted with its castle, and Tring, where you’ll find the
Natural History Museum. Tring is the starting point of many a canalside
walk or ramble in the Chiltern Hills and in the Summer months, the
Chilterns Rambler 327 bus calls at the station for circular tours over The
Chilterns to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Bus number 387 links Tring Station
with the town centre.
Connections are available at Watford Junction to the ‘Abbey Line’ which
operates to the historic Roman City of St Albans, where you will find the
impressive Abbey and a wealth of other architecturally significant buildings.
A short walk from St Albans Abbey Station is Verulamium Park, location of the
Roman Museum and ideal for picnics. St Albans Station is the main line
station serving St Albans and is served by frequent First Capital Connect trains
from London St Pancras International to Bedford.
The railway line from King’s Cross will take you to Ebeneezer Howard’s Garden
Cities of Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth as well as the new town of
Stevenage with the line continuing to the pleasant towns of Baldock and
Royston and on to Cambridge. Hatfield House with its park and gardens was
the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I and is situated almost opposite
Hatfield Station entrance. The imposing Welwyn Viaduct with its forty arches is
situated between Welwyn Garden City and Welwyn North Stations and affords
excellent views of the Hertfordshire countryside from a height of over
thirty metres.
The County Town of Hertford is linked to the railway
network from two stations, Hertford East and Hertford
North, served by National Express East Anglia and
First Capital Connect respectively. The former is
the branch line from Broxbourne, which is itself
on the main line to London Liverpool Street, and
is ideally situated for accessing the Lea Valley
Park, with its riverside footpaths, nature
reserves and boat trips.
The interesting
market town of
Ware, with its
Gazebos beside
the River Lea
and Scott’s Grotto
(both a short walk
from the station) is
also situated on the
line.
Elstree &
Borehamwood
St Albans Abbey
Photo: H.C.C.
36 railway
stations in
Hertfordshire
are now part of
the PLUSBUS
scheme.
PLUSBUS is a
national
scheme that
allows a bus
travel add-on to your rail ticket for
unlimited travel on buses within the local
area. It is available simply by asking for
PLUSBUS when you purchase your rail
ticket from any staffed national railway
station. For full details of Hertfordshire
stations that have PLUSBUS availability
please visit www.intalink.org.uk

6
SUSSEX COMMUNITY RAIL
PARTNERSHIP
•
his cluster of lines serves some of the most beautiful
Tparts of the South-East of England, stretching from the
North Downs to the sea via the undulating and wooded
‘Weald’ and the South Downs, designated to become a
National Park.
The East Grinstead Line
East Grinstead is an ancient market town with Ashdown
Forest, the Bluebell Railway and the National Trust’s country
house, Standen, within easy reach. The area around the
church at Lingfield is a conservation area and the village is
also famous for its racecourse. From Dormans Station,
there’s an enjoyable walk to Dormans Park Estate and
Cooks Pond Viaduct, and to nearby Dormansland village.
Oxted and Hurst Green nestle below the North Downs and
make an excellent base for walking the North Downs Way
with unforgettable views of the Weald.
The Uckfield Line
Edenbridge, with its history and walks is an interesting
town in the Eden valley – be sure to visit the wonderful
Eden Valley Museum. Famous Hever Castle (tel. 01732
865224) is about a mile
from Hever Station along
the Eden Valley Path. The
Castle is an enormous collection
of buildings surrounded
by both formal
and informal gardens –
allow a day to see it all.
Eridge is an excellent gateway
for exploring the quiet
lanes, tracks and paths to
be found in this beautiful area. At nearby Groombridge,
you’ll find the preserved Spa Valley Line which runs to
Royal Tunbridge Wells. Modern Crowborough is
situated at 700 feet above sea level whilst much
older Uckfield has an early 16th century Bridge
Cottage, amongst its many attractions.
Downlander
A bus rail ticket is available in
the Brighton/Lewes/Eastbourne
area online at
www.southernrailway.com
The Arun Valley Line
Leaving the Brighton Main Line at
Three Bridges, the train soon reaches
Horsham, a bustling market town
with
an
Chichester
Portsmouth
Hever Castle
Barnham Ford
BOGNOR
REGIS
Billingshurst
Amberley
LITTLEHAMPTON
Photo:
Hever Castle
Christ's
Hospital
Pulborough
excellent tourist information
centre. Through the beautiful
Sussex Weald, stopping
trains call at the little towns
of Billingshurst; Pulborough,
from where you can walk to
Pulborough Brooks RSPB
Reserve; and Amberley for
the fascinating open-air
Working Museum dedicated
to the industrial heritage of the south-east. The railway now
follows the river Arun through a gap in the South Downs to
Arundel with it’s massive castle. The hill-side town itself is
worth a visit and there’s a superb Wildlife & Wetlands Trust
reserve nearby.
Hastings - Ashford Line
Acting as a useful link for travel right along England’s south
coast, this line also gives access to fascinating historic
Berwick Station
towns and glorious
countryside. Hastings, as
well as being the archetypal
seaside resort, abounds in
history. Europe’s largest beachlaunched
fishing fleet can be found
on the pebble beach close to the
picturesque netting sheds, and
Faygate
Littlehaven
Horsham
Ifield THREE
BRIDGES
Crawley
Useful websites
www.edenvalleykent.org
www.southernrailway.com
www.sussexcrp.org
www.sussexcountry.co.uk
www.visithastings.com
www.visitrye.co.uk
www.visitsussex.org
www.1066country.com
www.visitsouthdowns.com
Croydon
London
OXTED
Hurst Green
Garwick Airport
Lingfield
Croydon
London Dormansland
Brighton
Lewes
EAST
GRINSTEAD
Croydon
London
Falmer
ARUNDEL FURTHER INFORMATION
Southease
Contact Sussex BRIGHTON
Community Rail
Partnership on 01737 724159
Email: sam@sussexcrp.org
Photo: TM
Hever
UCKFIELD
LEWES
Edenbridge
Town
Cowden
Eridge
Crowborough
Buxted
Glynde
Berwick
Newhaven
Town
Newhaven
Harbour
SEAFORD

7
KENT COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP
featuring the Weald, downland, estuary and history in abundance
•
ent may be the ‘Garden of England’, but it also has a fascinating maritime and industrial
Khistory. All these are accessible from Kent’s railways.
The Medway Valley Line closely follows the river and south of Maidstone the line
passes through orchards and water meadows with oast houses and pretty villages
nearby. Attractive riverside walks link the stations and several medieval stone bridges
cross the Medway.
Swalerail joins the mainland to the Isle of Sheppey and its maritime heritage at
Queenborough & Sheerness. 2009 also sees a celebration of a century of manned flight
on the island. The Saxon Shore Way can be
accessed at Sittingbourne and Swale.
Beltring
To Tonbridge
and London
To
Ashford
PADDOCK
WOOD
Polegate
Hampden
Park
EASTBOURNE
STROOD
To London
Gillingham Swale
Cuxton Chatham Rainham
Kemsley
Halling Newington
Snodland
SITTINGBOURNE
To
Canterbury
New Hythe
Aylesford
Wateringbury
Yalding
MAIDSTONE
Barracks
East
Farleigh
the old town is well worth
a visit as are the cliff lifts
up to Hastings Castle and
the Country Park. Further
east, you’ll find the
ancient Cinque Port of
Rye. Beyond Rye the line
crosses Walland Marsh
and Romney Marsh, an
unspoilt land where dikes
Tonbridge
London
Bexhill
Cooden
Pevensey
Beach
MAIDSTONE
West
separate the fields and the famous Romney Marsh
sheep graze. At the end of the line is Ashford,
for long a railway and market town but
now also a stop on the
High Speed Line to
Paris and London.
Arundel Castle
Three oaks
Ore
HASTINGS
St Leonards
Warrier Square
SHEERNESS
-on-Sea
Queenborough
Maidstone
London
Tonbridge
London
ASHFORD
Photo: TM
Rye
Winchelsea
Appledore
TOURIST INFORMATION
CENTRES
Maidstone j 01622 602169
Medway j 01634 402276
Swale j 01795 417478
FURTHER INFORMATION
Nigel Whitburn, Kent CRP Officer
Email: nigel.whitburn@ruralkent.org.uk
www.ruralkent.org.uk
TRAIN OPERATOR
Southeastern Railway
Customer Services j 0845 000 222
www.southeasternrailway.co.uk
Canterbury
Ramsgate
Dover
Paris
Ham Street
Some Connecting
Bus Services
The Michelham & Middle Farm
Rambler and The Cuckmere Valley
Ramblerbus run hourly on Sundays
and Bank Holidays, the latter
throughout the year, connecting
with trains at Berwick. The
Cuckmere Valley Ramblerbus also
runs on summer Saturdays. All day
tickets are available, for details tel.
0870 608 2 608.
From Lewes, there are buses to
Sheffield Park Garden and the
Bluebell Line (hourly on Mondays
to Saturdays). A Sunday Rambler
service runs from Edenbridge High
Street and Oxted Station to
Westerham (for Squerryes Court
and Quebec House), Chartwell and
Hever Castle whilst Sheffield Park
Gardens and the Lavender Line
can be reached from Uckfield.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Ashdown Forest j 01825 712040
Ashford j 01233 629165
Arundel j 01903 882268
Eastbourne j 01323 411400
Hastings j 01424 781111
Lewes j 01273 483448
Rye j 01797 226696
Seaford j 01323 897426

8
ESSEX & SOUTH SUFFOLK
COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP
•
lthough in the highly populated South Eastern area
Aof the Country, the Essex & South Suffolk Community
Rail Partnership covers four very different branch lines
running through rural communities.
The Sunshine Coast Line runs between Colchester and
Clacton/Walton. Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded
town whilst the coastal resorts of Clacton on Sea,
Walton on the Naze and Frinton on Sea each
offers a wide expanse of safe sandy beach.
The Gainsborough Line between Marks Tey
and Sudbury in Suffolk is named after the 18th
century painter and artist. It weaves its way
through the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale in
some of the most outstanding and beautiful
landscape to be found in England.
The Crouch Valley Line between
Wickford and Southminster connects the
Dengie Peninsula to the
rest of the county, and
passing close to the
Antiques Centre at
Battlesbridge, and Marsh
Farm at Woodham Ferrers,
from where excellent
coastal walks and
superb views of the
river Crouch can be
found.
The Mayflower line runs between Manningtree and
Harwich winding its way through a diverse and varied
countryside to the coast. Manningtree is a town with
interesting architecture with a history reaching back to
medieval times. At the end of the line are the historic
towns of Harwich & Dovercourt Bay. A restored Victorian
boathouse is now home to the Harwich
Lifeboat Museum.
South
Woodham
Ferrers
FURTHER INFORMATION
Essex & South Suffolk Community
Rail Partnership
j 01206 397061
www.esscrp.org.uk
National Express j 0845 600 7245
www.nationalexpress.com
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Clacton TIC j 01255 423400
Harwich TIC j 01255 506139
Sudbury TIC j 01787 881320
Maldon TIC j 01621 856503
Chappel Viaduct
St Peter’s Chapel,
Bradwell-on-Sea
Photo: TM
Photo: Bryan Harker

9
MARSTON VALE (Bedford to Bletchley)
COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP
•
he Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley offers an
Topportunity to view some wonderful countryside at your leisure and
there is plenty of history along the way. Travelling along the line you will
see where John Bunyan gazed down on the men, women and children
in the brickfields which inspired a number of his works. Walk between
stations and grab a pub lunch before returning to the train to take in the
rest the varied line has to offer.
A day out is even better value for money with the Groupsave
ticket through which 3 or 4 adults can travel for the price of 2
with up to 4 children traveling with the group for just £1 each.
The line is one of only two in the country to be designated as a Hidden
Britain Centre, the aim of which is to guide the visitor to Britain’s many
beautiful and extraordinary, undiscovered places.
In Bedford take a walk along the River Great Ouse or discover its wide
range of shops. In the heart of Bedford there is the Bedford Museum,
John Bunyan Museum, and Bedford Gallery and also fantastic markets
most days of the week.
Just off the line there is the Forest of Marston Vale where there are 5
miles of traffic free cycle paths and walks for all in the spectacular
Millennium Country Park. The Forest Centre, a pleasant 20 minute
walk from Stewartby and Millbrook stations, has a superb shop
and restaurant. Cycles can also be hired from here to discover the
attractions of the Forest. Route 51 of the National Cycle Network
passes close to the Forest Centre. Nearby there is the Greensand Ridge
Walk – Bedfordshire’s premier long distance route split into five sections
for easier walking.
Bletchley, at the other end of the Marston Vale Line, is a real enigma, but
with Bletchley Park on the doorstep of the station you will easily break the
code! Marston Vale rail passengers receive 20% off the admission
fee on production of a valid ticket! Also in Bletchley there
are many nature areas and Stadium MK, the home of MK
Dons FC.
Hop on the train at Bletchley for the short journey to the new
city of Milton Keynes where there is a wealth of shops and
attractions, including some impressive urban park lands,
interesting architecture and sculptures all easily accessed
by one of the best network of cycle routes in the country.
The Line has an exciting programme of events throughout
Northampton
Birmingham
North West
the year, contact us for more details.
At both Bedford and Bletchley you can also
MILTON
KEYNES
Central
Bletchley Park
Photo: Bletchley Park
connect with trains linking to London and the
North. Come and visit the Marston Vale Line for a
superb rail visit.
Woburn
Sands
Aspley
Guise
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Bedford j 01234 221712
email: touristinfo@bedford.gov.uk
www.bedford.gov.uk
Sandy j 01767 682728
email: tourism@sandy towncouncil.gov.uk
www.sandytowncouncil.gov.uk
Dunstable j 01582 890270
email: tic@dunstable.gov.uk
www.dunstable.gov.uk
Destination Milton Keynes j 01908 677010
email: info@destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk
www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION
Stephen Sleight, Marston Vale
Community Rail Partnership,
Bedfordshire Rural Communities
Charity, The Old School,
Cardington, Bedford MK44 3SX
j 01234 832645
Email: stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk
www.marstonvalecommunity
rail.org.uk
TRAIN OPERATOR
London Midland j 0845 602 4277
www.londonmidland.com
Ridgmont
Lidlington
Millbrook
Wellingborough
Leicester
Stewartby
BEDFORD
St Johns
Luton
London
Kempston
Hardwick
BEDFORD
BLETCHLEY
Fenny
Stratford
Leighton Buzzard
London
Bow
Brickhill
Millennium County Park
Photo: Forest of Marston Vale

10
THE WHERRY LINES & THE BITTERN LINE
elcome to the Wherry Lines… Named after the
Wsailing vessels which once plied their trade along
the broads and rivers of the region, the Wherry Lines
link the handsome and historic city of Norwich with the
lively, welcoming seaside resorts of Lowestoft and Great
Yarmouth. Taking you alongside the pretty River Yare
and through the picturesque Norfolk Broads region, the
Wherry Lines provide memorable scenic rail journeys
with a wealth of wonderful sightseeing along the way.
At the pretty riverside village of Brundall, the line
divides. The southern Wherry line travels right through
the heart of the Broads, dividing again at the delightful
village of Reedham, with its quaint old chain-ferry, to
offer a choice of final destinations.
Head to Great Yarmouth, where you can stop off for a
leisurely ramble at Berney Arms on the ancient Weavers
Way, a peaceful spot surrounded by lovely, unspoilt
landscapes and next to an RSPB nature reserve, or
Lowestoft on the beautiful ‘Sunrise Coast’ via
Somerleyton, the home of the magnificent Somerleyton
Hall and Gardens.
The northern route runs through the pretty village of
Lingwood, a hit with ramblers and the boating beauty
spot Acle, directly to Great Yarmouth.
Main beach at Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Market
Special features
and ticketing
The Wherry Rover ticket is
available for one day's travel
at a cost of £7 per adult
and £3.50 per child.
Cheap Day Return Tickets
are also available from all
stations on the Wherry Lines
to/from Norwich.
Both the above tickets are
valid for travel after 0845
Monday to Friday and at any
time during the weekend
and bank holidays.
Discounts to many tourist
attractions along the route
are available when you
show your Wherry Lines rail
ticket – look out for our
logo.
There’s so
much to see
and do on the
Wherry Lines, every
trip is a journey of
discovery.
Buckenham
(Sundays only)
Sunrise at Brundall
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.wherrylines.org.uk
www.nationalexpress.com
www.acorp.uk.com
National Express East Anglia provides train services for
the East of England.
National Rail Enquiries for all times and fares
j 08457 484950
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Great Yarmouth j 01493 842195
Lowestoft j 01502 536300
Norwich j 01603 213999
For information on buses in Norfolk
and Suffolk please telephone
Traveline j 0871 200 22 33
www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

•
elcome to the Bittern Line… Named after one of
WEast Anglia’s most famous resident birds, the Bittern
Line extends 30 miles, connecting the fine city of Norwich
with the quaint, old north Norfolk coastal towns of Cromer
and Sheringham. Along the way, the line passes through
the beautiful scenery of the Norfolk Broads and the stunning
coastal countryside between Cromer and
Sheringham, designated an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
At Wroxham, gateway to the Broads, you can join the narrow
gauge Bure Valley Steam Railway. Why not stop off in
Worstead, a thriving centre of weaving in medieval times
Or how about exploring the charming market town of
North Walsham
In the regency town of Cromer you can walk along the
famous pier or discover the rich history of the town’s magnificent
medieval church. Next stop is the pretty village of
West Runton, before the train arrives in the charming seaside
resort of Sheringham, well known for its excellent
sandy ‘Blue Flag’ beaches.
A journey on the Bittern Line offers a world of possibilities
– from exhilarating country walks to a night at the theatre
or a drink in a friendly pub, taking advantage of our new
late night trains.
There’s no better
way to explore this
captivating corner
of England.
At Sheringham you may continue by train
to Holt on the private steam North Norfolk
Railway or take the scenic route along the
coast by the Coast Hopper bus service.
For details on inclusive tickets to Aylsham on
the Bure Valley and to Holt on the North Norfolk
Steam Railways, please contact National Rail
Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50, the Bure Valley
Railway on 01263 733814 or the North Norfolk
Railway on 01263 822045, view details at
www.bvrw.co.uk and www.nnrail.co.uk
The Bittern Line heading for the coast
Trains meet at Wroxham
Coast Hopper at Stiffkey
Special features
and ticketing
The Bittern Rover ticket
is available for one day's
travel at a cost of £7 per
adult and £3.50 per child.
It is also valid on the
connecting CoastHopper
bus from Sheringham to
Hunstanton.
Cheap Day Return
Tickets are also available
from all stations on the
Bittern Line to/from
Norwich.
Both the above tickets
are valid for travel after
0845 Monday to Friday
and at any time during
the weekend and bank
holidays.
Discounts to many
tourist attractions along
the route are available
when you show your
Bittern Line rail ticket –
look out for our logo.
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.bitternline.com
www.nationalexpress.com
www.acorp.uk.com
National Express East Anglia provides train services
for the East of England.
National Rail Enquiries for all times and fares
j 08457 484950
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Norwich j 01603 213999
Hoveton j 01603 782281
North Walsham j 01692 407509
Cromer j 01263 512497
Sheringham j 01263 824329
www.visitnorfolk.co.uk
For information on local buses call
Traveline j 0871 200 22 33
North Norfolk Railway j 01263 822045
Bure Valley Railway j 01263 733858

11
THE COTSWOLD LINE
Rivers, Hills and History
•
he 86 mile North Cotswold Line from Oxford to Hereford serves up to
T17 intermediate stations with a near-hourly service so there are many
opportunities to walk between stations in stunning scenery, or explore the
attractions of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills, the riverside cities of
Oxford, Worcester and Hereford and the lively towns of Charlbury,
Moreton-in-Marsh, Evesham, Pershore, Malvern and Ledbury.
History and natural history abounds at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock,
the Wychwood Forest, the National Trust properties around Moreton, the
archetypal Cotswold villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway,
Burford, Chipping Campden (and Norton) and Stow-on-the-Wold, the lush
river valleys from the Thames and ever-present Evenlode to the Avon,
Severn and Teme and the dramatic landscape of the Malvern range
before the gentler rolling hills of Herefordshire.
Local and long-distance footpaths criss-cross the line, and bus services
radiating from the market towns combine with connections to the
north-south rail network at Oxford, Worcester and Hereford to make the
Cotswold Line a vital east-west axis, linking the South East and South
West regions with the West Midlands. The Cotswold Line Railcard gives
discounted travel between Oxford and Worcester to those who are too old
for Young People’s and too young for Senior Citizen’s Railcards for just
£7.50 per annum.
So whether your interest is ‘old crocks’ (try Royal Worcester Porcelain or
Hanborough’s Bus and Morris Motors museums, or Malvern’s timeless
Morgan sportcars whose centenary falls in 2009), or ‘foul play’ (first class
or village green sport and theatres at various locations, or the Domestic
Fowl Trust at Honeybourne), there’s lots to see and do, and our High Speed
Trains have plenty of seats at affordable
prices, especially if you are travelling
westwards in the morning or
eastwards in the afternoon when
most people are
travelling in
the opposite
direction.
London Midland Turbostar
at Malvern Link
First Great Western High Speed Train
at Evesham
Photos:
Steve Widdowson
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Hereford j 01432 268430
Malvern j 01684 892289
Worcester j 01905 726311
Evesham j 01386 446944
Broadway j 01386 852937
Moreton j 01608 650881
Burford j 01993 823558
Witney j 01993 775802
Woodstock j 01993 813276
Oxford j 01865 252200
FURTHER INFORMATION
COTSWOLD LINE PROMOTION GROUP
Derek Potter - Tel/Fax: 01386 750628
New members always welcome – download
application form from: www.clpg.co.uk
TRAIN OPERATORS
First Great Western j 0845 600 5604
London Midland j 0121 634 2040

12 THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE LINE •
North Staffordshire Line takes you on a journey through three of
Tthe UK’s most scenic counties. It’s also your starting point to a host of
major cities and holiday destinations (see map of route).
Places to visit along the line
Crewe station is a rail enthusiast’s paradise and has direct links to
Anglesey (for ferries to Ireland), Chester and Manchester Airport. Learn
about Crewe’s remarkable railway history at Crewe
Heritage Centre, just a short walk from the station.
Take a detour to Little Moreton Hall, an iconic Tudor
house, or stop off at Longport for a stroll to Burleigh
Pottery, with its quaint factory shop serving up
traditional tableware.
Stoke-on-Trent is your nearest stop for Trentham
Gardens, one of the country’s top tourist attractions,
with a wide selection of shops and activities, even a
Monkey Forest!
Liverpool
(for John Lennon Airport)
North West
Scotland
Chester
North Wales
Shrewsbury
South Wales
Stop at Longton and visit Gladstone
Pottery Museum for a trip back in time to
the days when coal burning ovens made
the world’s finest bone china.
CREWE
London
Euston
Alsager
Tutbury and Hatton station is
celebrating its 20th birthday
this year (it also boasts the
oldest signal box in the UK!).
Visit Tutbury’s Georgian
Crystal workshop to see how
the craftsmen of today are
Uttoxeter is home to Uttoxeter Racecourse,
adjacent to the station, where race
Kidsgrove meets are held throughout the
year. Plus the famous Alton
Longport Towers theme park is just a
short bus ride away.
STOKE-ON-TRENT
Stafford
Birmingham
London
Euston
Longton
Blythe Bridge
continuing a 200-year-old glass-making tradition. Or UTTOXETER
experience the atmospheric 11th century Tutbury Castle,
a treat for history-lovers.
In Derby enjoy some retail therapy
at the Westfield Derby Centre or the
treasure trove of exclusive shops along
the cobbled streets of the Cathedral
Quarter. Combine it with a visit to one
of Derby’s prime tourist attractions, like
Uttoxeter Racecourse
Gladstone Pottery
Museum
the Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre
or the Silk Mill museum.
www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
Special Fares
PlusBus gives you unlimited travel for
the day on most buses, either at the start
or the end of your rail journey. PlusBus
tickets can be purchased from
participating stations; on the North
Staffordshire Line these are Crewe,
Stoke-on-Trent and Derby.
FURTHER INFORMATION
North Staffordshire Community Rail
Partnership, c/o Stoke-on-Trent City
Council, Passenger Transport, Floor 3,
Civic Centre, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1RF.
Project Officer: Faye Lambert
j 01782 232272
Email: faye.lambert@stoke.gov.uk
TRAIN OPERATOR
East Midlands Trains
Ticket Sales j 08457 125678
eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
Tutbury &
Hatton
Birmingham
South West
Matlock
North East
DERBY
Peartree
Nottingham
East Coast
London
St Pancras
International †
Bus Connection
to East Midlands
Airport
† Connections
to Eurostar
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Crewe j 01270 610983
Stoke-on-Trent j 01782 236000
Derby j 01332 255802

13
ARRIVA TRAINS WALES
HOLYHEAD
LLANDUDNO
Colwyn Bay
Prestatyn
Bidston
for Liverpool
Rhosneigr
Bangor
Llandudno
Junction
Flint
Shotton
Buckley
Manchester
CHESTER
Crewe
Portmadog
Criccieth
PWLLHELI
FFESTINIOG
RAILWAY
Harlech
Tan y Bwlch
BLAENAU
FFESTINIOG
WREXHAM
Ruabon
Gobowen
Heart of Wales Line Photo:
Arriva Trains Wales
Barmouth
Tywyn
Borth
ABERYSTWYTH
TALYLLYN
RAILWAY
Nant Gwernol
Machynlleth
Dovey
Junction
VALE OF RHEIDOL
RAILWAY
Caersws
Newtown
SHREWSBURY
Welshpool
Crewe
Manchester
Telford
Birmingham
Church
Stretton
Craven Arms
Devil's
Bridge
Knighton
Ludlow
Radyr Weir
FISHGUARD
Harbour
Photo:
Arriva Trains Wales
Llanwrtyd
Wells
Llandovery
Llandrindod
Wells
Builth
Road
Leominster
Hereford
Worcester
Birmingham
London
Haverfordwest
MILFORD
HAVEN
PEMBROKE
DOCK
Pembroke
Tenby
Whitland
Carmarthen
LLANELLI
Llandeilo
Ammanford
Pontardulais
SWANSEA
MERTHYR
TYDFIL
ABERDARE
TREHERBERT
Neath
MAESTEG
Port Talbot
Bridgend
Llantwit
Major
Pontypridd
RHYMNEY
BARRY
Town
EBBW VALE
Parkway
Crosskeys
Bargoed
Caerphilly
CARDIFF
Central
PENARTH
BARRY
Island
Abergavenny
Gloucester
Pontypool
Cheltenham
and New Inn Spa
Cwmbran
Chepstow
NEWPORT
Bristol
London

•
Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva
Cymru runs services along some of the
most scenic routes in the country.
The Borderlands Line between
Wrexham and Bidston runs through a
kaleidoscope of scenic vistas including
the hills of North East Wales to the tidal
Dee at the bridge connecting England
and Wales. There’s a Heritage Trail, a
castle, botanic gardens and a former
prime minister’s home waiting to be discovered.
The Conwy Valley Line takes you from the Queen of the
Welsh Resorts at Llandudno to the heart of Snowdonia at
Blaenau Ffestiniog. The mountains beckon as the train
climbs the Lledr Valley through Dolwyddelan and Roman
Bridge to pass through the longest tunnel in Wales emerging
into a world of slate at Blaenau Ffestiniog.
The Chester to Shrewsbury Line travels through three
counties and some of the finest scenery of the Marches.
Chester’s Roman walls, medieval shop fronts and superb
shops are waiting to be explored. Ruabon has bus links to
Llangollen where there’s a restored railway and horsedrawn
canal boats; Chirk’s castle, marina and the scenic
Ceiriog Valley are a short bus ride from the station;
Gobowen is the gateway to Oswestry, a traditional market
town with a great choice of independent retailers;
Shrewsbury on the River Severn has half timbered buildings,
galleries, museums and a riverside park.
The Cambrian Railway line runs cross country from
Shrewsbury through a varied rural landscape, from the
rolling borderlands around Welshpool and Newtown to
some of the best beaches in Britain. At Machynlleth, the
line splits, both branches leading you towards Aberystwyth
in one direction and Pwllheli and Barmouth in the other.
South West Wales between
Photo:
Llanelli and Pembrey Arriva Trains Wales
Private railways (narrow gauge and
steam), a famous pottery, a camera
obscura, car, maritime and railway
museums, the Centre for Alternative
Technology, and King Arthur’s
Labyrinth await you both on the coast
and inland.
The Heart of Wales Line runs for 121
miles from the South Wales coast at
Swansea to Shrewsbury. Victorian spa
towns, red kites, forests, beautiful views and access to the
National Cycle Route and waymarked walks can all be
enjoyed from this line.
The South West Wales Railway runs from the urban
heartlands of Swansea to the glorious Pembrokeshire
Coast through the varied scenery of Carmarthen Bay.
Serving the main county towns of Carmarthen and
Haverfordwest and the hidden gems of Narberth,
Saundersfoot and Pembroke, it’s a great day for lovers of
wildlife and spectacular scenery.
The Freedom of Wales Flexipass is a great way of enjoying
all these routes and the rest of the Arriva Trains Wales
network. It offers unlimited bus travel for 8 consecutive
days and unlimited train travel for 4 of those days. You can
also benefit from 2 for 1 entry at featured attractions and
discounted YHA and hotel accommodation.
In partnership with SailRail, an alliance of UK Train operating
companies and ferry companies on the Irish Sea,
Arriva Trains Wales operates connecting services to and
from Holyhead and Fishguard Harbour to Rosslare, Cork
and Dublin.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Arriva Trains Wales, St.Mary’s House,
47 Penarth Road, Cardiff, CF10 5DJ.
Customer Relations j 0845 6061 660
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
www.walesflexipass.co.uk
www.sailrail.co.uk
www.heart-of-wales.co.uk
www.borderlandsline.com
www.conwy.gov.uk/cvr/english/pg_welc.htm
www.thecambrianline.co.uk
www.chester2shrewsburyrail.co.uk
Barmouth Bridge
Photo: Arriva Trains Wales
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Visit Wales
www.visitwales.co.uk
j 08708 300 306
Email: info@visitwales.co.uk

14
WALES BY TRAIN
•
The Community Rail Partnerships of Wales
Many of the beautiful railway lines of Wales are
supported by community rail partnerships. Each
partnership has close links with the towns and
villages it serves, and is a member of ACoRP.
If you are looking for adventure and thrills,
choose the challenge and Wales and the Borders will have it. Why not try
bog snorkelling in Llanwrtyd Why not give kayaking a go Some of the
finest sea kayaking in Europe lies off the coast of Wales, and there’s wild
white water action on rivers like the Tryweryn and Dee. We've also got
some great shopping, wonderful food and drink, theatres, and a wide range
of other attractions to suit all tastes and budgets.
For a quieter time Aberystwyth, on the coast of Mid-Wales, proudly
cherishes its natural beauty and Welsh heritage. The town’s dynamic
atmosphere comes from the presence of the local university and the
energy of its resort-town status. In contrast Portmeirion is a unique,
Italianate style village set on its own private peninsula on the southern
shores of Snowdonia and surrounded by 70 acres of sub-tropical woodland
gardens. On the main driveway is a Victorian mansion recently restored as
a brasserie-style restaurant and hotel.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For a copy of the 2009 Wales by Train leaflet go to
www.scenicwales.co.uk
or circle 14 on the response form at the back of this booklet.
Conwy Valley Line
Heart of Wales Line
Photo:
Scenic Wales
Photo:
Scenic Wales
BRITISH STEAM RAILWAYS
Steam railways in scenic areas with several
running through National Parks. Many are within easy
reach of the scenic railways featured in this book.
Train services Easter to October
Information (s.a.e. please) from:
10 Hurdeswell, LONG HANBOROUGH OX29 8DH
or visit:
http://www.heritagerailways.com

15 THE DERWENT VALLEY LINE •
Description of the Line
The Derwent Valley Line between Derby and Matlock
passes through an historic and picturesque landscape. A
new hourly service from Nottingham and Derby provides
access to many great attractions and scenic walks.
Things to see and do along the way
A panoramic description of your journey along the
line is featured in the leaflet ‘Scenes from the
Carriage Window’. At Belper take a tour of Strutt’s
historic North Mill or relax in the tranquil river
gardens. Arkwright’s Cromford Mill was the world’s
first successful water powered cotton spinning mill
and situated nearby is Masson Mill Working Textile
Museum and Shopping Village.
Matlock Bath or ‘Little Switzerland’ is a popular
destination set in an impressive gorge. Visit the
Heights of Abraham by cable car, experience life as a Lead
Miner at The Peak Mining Museum or enjoy over 35 children’s rides
at Gulliver’s Kingdom. Crich Tramway Village (a 20-minute bus
journey from Matlock Bath)
provides scenic trips on the
country’s largest collection of
vintage, electric, horsedrawn
and steam trams. Matlock, in
the heart of the beautiful
Derbyshire countryside, boasts
the splendid Hall Leys Park, with
fine views of Riber Castle. Peak
Rail’s heritage railway is just a
short walk from Matlock station.
The Derwent Valley Line guide
includes discount vouchers
Leawood Pumphouse, Cromford Canal
for train passengers
to many of these
attractions.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
www.visitpeakdistrict.com
Matlock Tourist Information
j 01629 583388
Email: matlockinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/derwentvalleyline
Cable car at the Heights of Abraham
Tickets
A Cheap Day Return allows you
to hop on and off at all stations
along the Line on both your
outward and return journeys.
Derbyshire Wayfarer is a Day
Rover Ticket valid on buses and
trains throughout the county.
Tickets are available from
Tourist Information Centres and
staffed rail stations.
To order tickets with a
credit card Tel: 01629 580000
ext 6738.
For bus times call
0871 200 22 33 or visit
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/buses
Walks from the Derwent Valley Line
From all the stations along the line you
can join the Derwent Valley Heritage Way
or one of the 12 Derwent Valley Station to
Station Walks. The Cromford Canal can be
joined at Cromford, Whatstandwell or
Ambergate and links to the High Peak
Trail. The Limestone Way to Castleton
begins in Matlock. Local maps are
situated at Derwent Valley Line Stations
showing local walks, tourist
Nottingham attractions and bus information.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership
C/o Environmental Services, Derbyshire County Council,
County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG. j 01629 580000 ext. 7681
Email: alastair.morley@derbyshire.gov.uk
TRAIN OPERATORS
East Midlands Trains Ticket Sales j 08457 125 678
eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/derwentvalleyline

16 THE BUXTON LINE •
Description of the Line
The Buxton Line wends its way from Manchester
through dramatic Peak District countryside to Buxton,
serving a number of attractive Derbyshire towns en
route.
Things to see and do along the way
The Buxton Line is surrounded by fantastic walking
country, with Lyme Park and the Goyt Valley just two of
the popular areas that are within easy reach on foot or
by bus. The tranquil Peak Forest Canal, which runs
parallel to the line between Whaley Bridge and New
Mills, is another perfect place to take a gentle stroll, or
simply watch the colourful boats go by.
The pleasant town of Whaley Bridge is known as the
‘Gateway to the Goyt Valley’, and is fast becoming
recognised for its ‘Whaley Water Weekend’, a festival of
events centred on the canal basin.
Chapel-en-le-Frith is a picturesque market town
boasting many historical features. Visitors can follow
the Old Town Trail, or sample one of the walks featured
in the town’s award-winning Parish Paths Guide.
Britain’s highest market
town, Buxton,
Piccadilly
MANCHESTER
retains many splendid
buildings from its heyday
as a fashionable 18th Century
health resort, including The
Crescent, the Pump Room and the
Pavilion, with its recently renovated STOCKPORT
gardens. The ornate Opera House
plays host to a range of cultural events,
including the International Festival of Music
and Arts and the Gilbert and Sullivan Festival.
FURTHER INFORMATION
High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail
Partnership, c/o Environmental Services,
Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock
DE4 3AG. j 01629 580000 ext 6721
or 01629 585093
24 hour Events Line 0161 242 6296
Email: martin.smith@derbyshire.gov.uk
Website: www.hvhptp.org.uk
TRAIN OPERATORS
National Rail Enquiries j 08457 48 49 50
Hazel Grove
Chapel-en-le-Frith
Dove Holes
Disley
New Mills
Newtown
Furness
Vale
Whaley
Bridge
Chapel-en
-le-Frith
Special features
and ticketing
Two Wayfarer tickets offer
great value travel in
Derbyshire. Derbyshire
Wayfarer is valid on all
bus and rail services
within Derbyshire, and
Photo: TM offers discounts at a host
of top attractions.
Meanwhile, Wayfarer is
valid on all public transport
in Greater
Manchester, on direct
trains from Manchester to
the Peak District, and on
most Peak District bus
services.
For details of either ticket,
contact Traveline on
0870 608 2 608
Photo: Jo Kent
or visit
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/buses
BUXTON
Dove Holes
Special events
on the Line
Station-to-station guided
walks help you explore
the area in good company,
with no need to worry
about a map and
compass. Details of guided
walks from
www.transpeakwalks.
co.uk
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Buxton TIC j 01298 25106
New Mills Heritage & Information Centre
j 01633 746904

17 THE HOPE VALLEY LINE Grindleford Station Photo: Jo Kent
Edale Station Photo: Jo Kent
Description of the Line
The Hope Valley Line takes you through the heart of
the Peak District National Park, and some of England’s
most scenic landscapes, offering the chance to escape
the bustle of everyday life and relax in beautiful
surroundings.
Things to see and do along the way
Any station on the line makes a great starting point for
walks, whether you prefer gentle riverside rambles or
challenging treks across open moorland. There are a
host of attractions for all the family to enjoy. Highlights
include the attractive village of Hathersage, which
helped to inspire Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel ‘Jane
Eyre’, and boasts an open-air swimming pool. The
sweeping vale of Edale is celebrated as the start of
the 250-mile Pennine Way, and also offers many
glorious day walks. In New Mills you can experience
the award-winning Torrs Millennium Walkway, a
unique viewing platform over the River Goyt.
Attractions just a short bus ride from the line include
Castleton, which boasts four of the Peak District’s
famous showcaves and the imposing Peveril Castle.
The Upper Derwent Valley is home to peaceful
reservoirs, forest-clad hillsides and acres
of brooding moorland, and you can hire
bicycles here. The village of Eyam is
renowned for the courage of its
inhabitants during the Great
Plague.
FURTHER INFORMATION
High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership,
c/o Environmental Services, Derbyshire County Council,
County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG.
j 01629 580000 ext 6721 or 01629 585093
24 hour Events Line j 0161 242 6296
Email: martin.smith@derbyshire.gov.uk
Website: www.hvhptp.org.uk
TRAIN OPERATORS
National Rail Enquiries j 08457 48 49 50
Dore
and
Totley
•
Special features
and ticketing
For details of Wayfarer
tickets, see the Buxton Line.
Special weekend and Bank
Holiday bus services:
service 260 links Edale
Station with Castleton and
is free to rail passengers.
Service 257 links Bamford
Station with the Upper
Derwent Valley.
Return rail tickets from
Sheffield to HVL stations
(Hathersage to Hope
inclusive) are valid on 272
bus service.
Special events
on the Line
The Rambler Folk Trains
take you on a musical
journey from Sheffield or
Manchester to a country
pub in Edale or Hathersage,
entertained by local folk
musicians on the way.
Details of Sheffield folk
trains from
www.folktrain.org.uk
Station-to-station guided
walks help you explore the
area in good company, with
no need to worry about a
map and compass. Details
of guided walks from
www.transpeakwalks.
co.uk
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Edale Information Centre
j 01433 670207
New Mills Heritage & Information Centre
j 01663 746904

18
BARTON-ON-HUMBER - CLEETHORPES LINE
showing bus connection via the Humber Bridge to Hull
he Barton Line was built primarily to provide access to the convenient ferry
Tservices between New Holland and Hull. It still serves Hull, via a bus link over
the Humber Bridge, and is a vital commuter and shopper link with Grimsby and
Cleethorpes. But it is also a line rich with opportunities for the leisure visitor,
providing convenient and traffic free access to quiet walks, contrasting views,
fascinating antiquities, the new National Nature Reserve at Far Ings or simply a
soothing scenic ride - in short a relaxing day out for all the family.
Description of the Line
In the shadow of the record breaking Humber Bridge, Barton is a historic town
with a variety of Georgian and Victorian buildings and two notable churches –
St Mary’s, which dates from the twelfth century and St Peter’s.
The town offers a choice of accommodation, restaurants, pubs and shops.
There are many scenic walks along
the Humber estuary with a National
Nature Reserve at Far Ings.
From Barrow Haven and New Holland
there are riverside walks and extensive
views of the Humber Bridge. From Goxhill
you can take a country walk to Thornton Abbey
and Station.
The imposing medieval gatehouse
of Thornton Abbey stands east of
the station and inside the grounds are
the Augustinian ruins a pleasant
backdrop for a picnic.
The busy shopping centre of Grimsby
also includes Freshney Place which has
a good and varied selection of shops and
nearby are attractions such as the
renowned Fishing Heritage Centre with its
fishing trawler or the Paddle Steamer
‘Lincoln Castle’ formerly a ferry on the New
Holland-Hull route.
Cleethorpes is a thriving beach
resort with miles of safe sandy
beaches. A short walk along the
promenade brings you to the
The line then passes
through Ulceby, Habrough,
Stallingborough, Healing
and Great Coates before
entering the bustling town
and fishing port of Grimsby.
leisure centre, Pleasure Island
Theme Park and the Cleethorpes Light Railway - a steam operated
narrow gauge line. Back along the seafront there are a good
selection of shops, restaurants and pubs and some renowned and award winning
fish and chip restaurants. Cleethorpes location at the mouth of the Humber estuary
makes it a haven for seabirds. West of the town this stretch of coast line is
renowned for its rich variety of wildlife and is a regular haunt of birdwatchers.
FURTHER INFORMATION
David Walford, Sub-regional Rail Development Officer, Challenge
House, 35 Eastgate North, Driffield, YO25 6DG
j 01377 232132 and 232138 (office), Fax: 01377 255646
Email: david.walford@hwrcc.org.uk or gillian.simpson@hwrcc.org.uk
Chairman of the BCCRP is Mike Gathercole.
Line operated by Northern Rail, with connecting services at
Grimsby and Cleethorpes to First TPX services to Doncaster,
Sheffield and Manchester. East Midlands service to Lincoln and
Nottingham. Bus Link to Hull City Centre from Barton Station over
Humber Bridge, operated by EYMS and Stagecoach.
Hull City Centre
Humber Bridge
Thornton Abbey Gatehouse
The line is promoted by Barton
Cleethorpes Community Rail Partnership
and Community Rail Humber who can be
contacted through David Walford.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Cleethorpes/Grimsby TIC, Cleethorpes Library,
Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 8LG
j 01472 323111
Grimsby TIC, Grimsby Library, Town Hall Square,
Grimsby DN31 1HG j 01472 323111
Brigg TIC, Market Place, Brigg. DN20 8ER
j 01652 657053
Humber Bridge TIC, North Bank Viewing Area,
Ferriby Road, Hessle, HU13 0LN
j 01482 640852

19
THE YORKSHIRE COAST LINE
•
his is a line with lots to offer - from the thriving city and port
Tof Hull to a string of seaside resorts, rural villages and
charming market towns. The line has kept much of its traditional
character and many of the stations are a joy Whitby
to behold. Hull is an ideal port to enter the
UK, with regular ferries from Belgium and
The Netherlands.
SCARBOROUGH
Description of the Line
Kingston upon Hull is a thriving city and port
which has retained much of its maritime
history in seven museums, along with the
new and exciting attraction The Deep, a
Leeds
York
must for all visitors. The city is famous for its theatres and
has a tremendously strong local cultural scene, including the
annual sea shanty festival. The station – Paragon – is a
magnificent building, an excellent starting point for your
journey up the coast. Cottingham is the first stop – said to be
England’s largest village. Lots of good shops and a fine
church. Look out for The Minster as the train approaches
Beverley. The station is a superb gateway to the ‘capital of
the East Riding’, with a fine overall roof. The line serves
several small villages, each of which is worth a look.
Driffield, the next major stop, is a fine market town with
good bus links out to the Yorkshire Wolds.
Bridlington is a popular family resort, and
Driffield
graced by a fine station which has
particularly good floral displays in
summer, and a cosy traditional buffet. Part of
the station is a community arts centre. Look
out for glimpses of the sea as the train leaves
Bridlington – Flamborough Head, with its
famous lighthouse, is in the distance. Bempton,
the next stop, is an easy walk to the coast and
the bird reserve. Filey is yet another fine station,
and just a short walk to the town centre and the
well-preserved seafront. Why not walk from
here to Scarborough – it’s one of the best
coastal walks you’ll find! If you stay on the train
you’ll come into Seamer, where the York line joins
us. From there it’s a short run to Scarborough with
its vast range of attractions. These include boat
trips, cliff railways, a superb park (with miniature
railway!), the castle and lots more.
Seamer
Hutton
Cranswick
Doncaster
Leeds
York
Nafferton
BEVERLEY
Cottingham
Hunmanby
Bempton
Bridlington
Harbour
Beverley
Minster
Special features and ticketing
The line is promoted by the Yorkshire
Coast Community Rail Partnership, (who
can be contacted through David Walford,
the sub-regional Rail Development officer).
Trains are operated by Northern Rail, with
connecting services at Hull & Scarborough.
FURTHER INFORMATION
David Walford, Rail Development Officer, Challenge House, 35 Eastgate North, Driffield, YO25 6DG
j 01377 232132 and 232138 (office), Fax: 01377 255646, Mobile: 07740 407391
Email: david.walford@hwrcc.org.uk or sally.baird@hwrcc.org.uk
or log onto www.stationbuffet.co.uk or www.yorkshirecoastline.co.uk
Line operated by Northern Rail, with many through services to Doncaster & Sheffield. Connections with
First TPX, Hull Trains & National Express East Coast at Hull Station, First TPX at Scarborough Station
Filey
BRIDLINGTON
HULL
Paragon
Interchange
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Hull, Queen Victoria Square j 01482 223559
Beverley, 34 Butcher Row j 01482 391672
Bridlington, 25 Prince Street j 01262 673474
Filey, John Street j 01723 383636
Scarborough,
Brunswick Centre j 01723 383636
Whitby, Langbourne Road j 01723 383636

20
HUDDERSFIELD - MANCHESTER VICTORIA LINE
the line that goes over the top!
he railway from Huddersfield to Manchester offers spec-
views of the Pennines, historic mills and weaver’s
Ttacular
settlements. Beginning at the impressive Grade 1 Listed
Huddersfield Station, the train departs through Huddersfield
Tunnel and travels through the Colne Valley, once the centre
of the West Riding worsted trade, through the villages of
Slaithwaite and Marsden. At Slaithwaite there are many
great walks, from the canal towpath, through to the reservoir
and Slaithwaite Spa Park. Marsden provides an opportunity
to take a walk along the canal towpath to Standedge Tunnel
and Visitor Centre, where guided boat trips into the highest,
longest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain are available from
April to October. At Marsden the line turns through 90
degrees and plunges into Standedge Tunnel, one of the
longest on the rail network, at over 3 miles.
The train emerges into Lancashire at Greenfield, an area of
outstanding natural beauty, which also borders the Peak
District National Park. Mossley is also an ideal place to start
a walk up into the hills or to the Dovestone Reservoir.
Mossley has the notable distinction of being situated at the
meeting point of the three historic county boundaries of
Lancashire, Cheshire and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The
train then continues down hill to Stalybridge, home to the
extremely popular Station Buffet. The line continues to
Ashton under Lyne and joins the Caldervale Line, descending
to Manchester Victoria Station in the heart of the city.
Things to see and do along the line
Slaithwaite offers an enjoyable walk along the canal towpath,
either to Huddersfield or Marsden. The centre of
Slaithwaite offers a range of village shops and cafes as well
as being the home of ACoRP.
An ideal activity at Marsden is to take a short walk along
the canal to Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre, for a ride in a
glass roofed boat into the highest, longest and deepest
canal tunnel in Britain. Marsden Jazz Festival is a
yearly event in the Autumn.
Further to the walks available at Greenfield, it is only a
short stroll from the station to Uppermill, which offers a
wide selection of shops and cafes. Four reservoirs at
Greenfield offer many scenic walks for all abilities –
Greenfield, Yeoman Hey, Dovestone and Chew Reservoir.
There is also a yachting club on Dovestone Reservoir.
Mossley offers plenty of good pubs, eating places and small
shops. An enjoyable walk can be taken along the
Huddersfield Narrow Canal up to Greenfield or down into
Stalybridge.
Stalybridge has its celebrated Station Buffet but there is
plenty to see in the town, including a revived town square
with the re-opened canal as the centrepiece.
Ashton-under-Lyne is a good shopping centre with a
famous market – and Ikea – within walking distance of the
station. The Portland Basin Museum is housed within the
Water taxi at Tunnel End
Photo: British Waterways
restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse, which
is signposted from the town centre.
The Rail Ale Trail is a very popular activity on the
Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria Railway. Contact the
South Pennines Rail Partnership. Northern Rail’s South
Pennines Day Ranger ticket can be used for the Rail Ale Trail
as it allows you to hop on and off along the line as you wish.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Northern Rail j 0845 00 00 125
www.northernrail.org
Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre
www.standedge.co.uk
Saddleworth Bands Festival
www.whitfriday.brassbands.
saddleworth.org
Marsden Jazz Festival
www.marsdenjazzfestival.com
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Huddersfield j 01484 221000
Manchester j 0871 222 8223
Bolton
Liverpool
MANCHESTER
Victoria
Ashtonunder-Lyne
Manchester
Piccadilly
Marsden
Greenfield
Mossley
Stalybridge
COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP
The South Pennines Rail Partnership covers the
railway lines from Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria,
Huddersfield to Sheffield, and Bradford to
Manchester Victoria.
For information regarding the work of the partnership
please contact the Community Rail Officer on
07912 753817 or at sprp.community@yahoo.co.uk

THE PENISTONE LINE
Huddersfield to Sheffield
•
he Penistone Line links Huddersfield and Sheffield
Tvia Penistone and Barnsley, serving many rural
communities. The line passes through attractive Pennine
landscape and typical rural West Riding settlements. The
impressive remains of Yorkshires textile and coalmining
heritage can be easily accessed from the line, as well as art
galleries, museums and bustling towns. Huddersfield is a
town of Victorian architecture and has the third highest
number of listed buildings of any town or city in the UK. An
immediate testimony to the splendor of buildings is the
Huddersfield Station façade itself, a Grade I listed building.
In direct contrast to the old world elegance of
Huddersfield Station is the ultra-modern award-winning
Sheffield Station.
The Line
Upon leaving Huddersfield Station the train emerges from
the Huddersfield Tunnel on a high viaduct carrying the line
over the River Colne and restored Huddersfield Narrow
Canal. There follows a succession of spectacular viaducts,
tunnels and woodland – with far reaching views of the
Wakefield
Leeds
York
HUDDERSFIELD
Lockwood
Slaithwaite Berry Brow
Honley
Brockholes
Shepley
shopping centre, Meadowhall. The
train terminates at the thriving city
of Sheffield as illustrated by the
renovated Sheffield Station. Penistone
Pennine Hills. Penistone is
approached across the 29
arch Penistone Viaduct.
Stocksmoor
The line then turns due
east passing through
one of the single bore
Oxspring Tunnels before
descending to Barnsley
and the regional
Denby
Dale
Dodworth
FURTHER INFORMATION
Northern Rail j 0845 00 00 125
www.northernrail.org
The Honley Show www.honleyshow.co.uk
The Penistone Paramount
www.penistoneparamount.co.uk
Elsecar Heritage Centre
www.elsecar-heritage-centre.co.uk
Holmfirth website www.area5.org.uk
Wakefield
Leeds
Silkstone
Common
Chapeltown
SHEFFIELD
Penistone Viaduct
Photo: Brian Barnsley
Things to see and do along the line
Every station on the line is a gateway to stunning scenery
and attractive walks. There are excellent shops, galleries and
markets in Huddersfield, Barnsley and Sheffield.
Honley is a large village situated on the banks of the River
Holme in the Holme Valley. The annual Honley Show takes
place in June, offering a great day out for the family with
marquees, exhibitors and stallholders. Honley Station also
provides easy access to Holmfirth, which provides further
opportunities for attractive walks as well as hosting annual
events such as the Holmfirth Festival of Folk and Holmfirth
Food and Drink Festival.
Penistone has a superb art nouveau cinema, ‘The
Paramount’, which has been showing films since 1915. Live
events also feature and the Paramount is home to the
Penistone Cinema Organ Trust and their restored Compton
Cinema Organ.
Wombwell
Meadowhall
Chesterfield
Nottingham
Derby
London
BARNSLEY
Elsecar
Doncaster
York
Hull
Lincoln
TOURIST INFORMATION
Sheffield j 0114 221 1900
Barnsley j 01226 206757
Huddersfield j 01484 223200
THE PENISTONE LINE
PARTNERSHIP
The Penistone Line Partnership,
representing local interests, is a
long-time supporter of services
on the route and provides a
wide range of events including
guided walks, music trains and
real-ale trains,including a free
pub guide to the line.
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.penline.demon.co.uk
brian@acorp.uk.com
sprp.community@yahoo.co.uk

21
CALDERVALE LINE
Manchester Victoria to Bradford and Leeds
•
he Caldervale line has a number of active station partnership groups,
Twhich work hard to improve their stations, and link them into their
local communities. Examples of successful community ownership can
be seen at many stations along the line.
The journey begins at Manchester Victoria, with its classic Lancashire
and Yorkshire Railway architecture and splendid tiled route map from
the turn of the century. The train passes Newton Heath Depot – one of
Northern Rail’s largest traincare facilities, on it’s way to Moston before
heading to Rochdale via Mills Hill and Castleton. From Rochdale the line
parallels the Rochdale Canal right through to Sowerby Bridge, through
rugged Pennine landscape.
Smithy Bridge is a good stop to visit Hollingworth Lake,
which was built as a reservoir and in Victorian times known
as the ‘weaver’s seaport’ as it offered a charming area for
textile workers to relax. Littleborough is a pleasant market
town with a delightful station adopted by the local
community. The train soon plunges into Summit Tunnel,
crossing the Pennines, and emerges at Walsden, the scenery
is rugged and dramatic.
Todmorden has a lovely community-adopted station with a
herb garden, library and artists’ studio. With the look of a
Victorian mill town, Todmorden has a popular market, many
excellent cafés and small shops and an impressive town hall.
After a series of tunnels, the train arrives at Hebden Bridge,
which lies close to the Pennine Way and beautiful Hardcastle
Crags, a wooded Pennine valley managed by the National
Trust. At the heart of Hardcastle Crags is the 19th century
Gibson Mill, now renovated to demonstrate sustainability and
renewable energy, with a family-friendly
visitor centre,
numerous walks
and trails, interactive
displays and
Burnley
Preston
events. The town
itself offers a plethora of
appealing shops, pubs
and cafes and, for this
reason, is a popular
overnight or lunchtime
stop for people holidaying
on narrowboats.
ROCHDALE
MANCHESTER
Victoria
Bolton
Liverpool
Tram to
Manchester Piccadilly
Todmorden
Walsden
Littleborough
Smithy Bridge
Hebden
Bridge
Mytholmroyd
Sowerby
Bridge
Oldham Mytholmroyd is the
birthplace of poet, Ted
Hughes. Annual events held at
Mytholmroyd are the Dock
Pudding championships in April
and the Mytholmroyd Gala in
August. The next stop is
Sowerby Bridge, the wharf in
particular displaying fine
examples of 18th and 19th
Century industrial architecture
as well as Tuel Lane Lock, the
deepest lock in the country.
Hollingworth Lake
Photo: Rochdale MBC
The next stop for the Leeds-bound train is Halifax, home of
the stunning ‘Piece Hall’ which has wonderful shops and
cafes to visit as well as holding events throughout the year.
‘Eureka!’ the national children’s museum is adjacent to the
station. The train then continues through pleasant West
Riding scenery to Bradford, with it’s wealth of attractions,
including the National Media Museum.
The train reverses out of Bradford and heads up a steep climb
to Leeds via the New Pudsey station. Leeds offers many
attractions including the Royal
Armouries and was
Harrogate
New Ilkley
described
Pudsey
by Lonely
BRADFORD
Carlisle
LEEDS
Interchange
York
Planet
Bramley
Hull
guides as ‘the
Wakefield
Knightsbridge of
Dewsbury London
the North’ in
2005.
HALIFAX
Huddersfield
Wakefield
TOURIST INFORMATION
Manchester j 0871 222 8223
Bradford j 01274 433678
Leeds j 0113 242 5242
COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP
The South Pennines Rail Partnership covers the railway
lines from Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria,
Huddersfield to Sheffield, and Bradford to Manchester
Victoria. For information regarding the work of the partnership
please contact the Community Rail Officer on
07912 753817 or at sprp.community@yahoo.co.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION
Northern Rail j 0845 00 00 125
www.northernrail.org
Hardcastle Crags www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Piece Hall www.piecehall.info
Eureka! www.eureka.org.uk

22 THE ESK VALLEY LINE •
he Esk Valley is widely considered to be one of the
Thidden gems of the British railway network and offers
stunning views along its 36 mile route to the traditional
fishing port and seaside resort of Whitby.
Description of the Line
Departing from the commercial heart of Middlesbrough the
line heads past the conical hill of Roseberry Topping into
the North York Moors National Park. After a short pause to
reverse at Battersby and a call at the historic village of
Kildale the train reaches the summit. The descent through
the picturesque stations of the Esk valley leads to
Grosmont and a junction with the steam trains of the North
Yorkshire Moors Railway. From here the line dates back to
the 1830s, having been engineered by George Stevenson.
Hugging the banks of the River Esk down through Sleights
and Ruswarp, travellers are treated to a fine view of
Whitby as the train rounds the final bend before terminating
at the historic
Whitby station, right in
the centre of town.
Things to see and do
along the way
The Esk Valley line gives ideal
access to pleasant walks and
longer hikes. Alight at Great
Ayton and Kildale to enjoy the
climb for the view from Roseberry
Topping or Captain Cook’s monument.
The Esk Valley Walk parallels the railway all
the way from Castleton to Whitby. Egton is famous for its Gooseberry Fair.
There are walks along the route of the old railway from Grosmont to
Goathland (‘Aidensfield’ of the TV Heartbeat series) and you can return by
steam train. During the Summer the National Park’s extensive Moorsbus network
serves the Moors Centre near Danby station (details on buses and
walks from the Moors Centre). If you prefer a leisurely day most villages have
cafés and pubs where you can sit back and enjoy the rural tranquillity. Whitby
is well known for its abbey and unspoilt harbour and beaches – it boasts
some of the best fish and chip restaurants in the country.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Esk Valley Railway Development
Company,The Coliseum, Victoria Place,
Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 1EZ
Email: info@eskvalleyrailway.co.uk
Web: www.eskvalleyrailway.co.uk
TRAIN OPERATOR
Northern Rail –
For Northern Rail’s train fares and times
contact National Rail j 08457 48 49 50
Whitby Abbey
at sunset
Roseberry Topping
Photo:
Alan Wastell
Photo: TVJSU
Special features
and ticketing
Esk Valley train fares were
substantially reduced in
2006. In the summer
there’s an excellent
service of Sunday trains.
On many dates through
steam trains operate
between Pickering and
Whitby (details from the
NYMR, 01751 472508).
The National Park
MoorsBus (01439
772737) links Danby
station to the nearby
Moors Centre or across
the moors to Hutton le
Hole and Pickering.
Special events on the Line
Popular Esk Valley Music Trains run on
Friday evenings between 24 July and
11 Sept and, new for 2009, 2 extra
Fridays evenings: 24 April and 30
October. For further information see
the line timetable or contact the Esk
Valley Railway Development Company
(j 01947 829802) for details.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Middlesbrough, 51 Corporation Road j 01642 243425/264330
Danby, The Moors Centre j 01439 772737
Whitby, Langborne Road j 01947 602674

23
WEST AND EAST LANCASHIRE, RIBBLE VALLEY AND
The West Lancashire Lines
The western part of Lancashire enjoys good rail links with
the rest of the Northwest and has lots to offer the visitor
whether for a day or longer breaks. Picturesque villages
that are steeped in history, green undulating and varied
landscapes and pretty canal walks; it's all easily
accessible by train and ideally situated between
Manchester, Liverpool and Preston.
There are two lines, one running from Preston the market
town of Ormskirk, and one from Wigan to Southport.
The Preston to Ormskirk line runs through an area of
intensive crop growing and calls at Croston with 7 pubs,
Rufford for Rufford Old Hall and Burscough, with links to
walks on the Leeds Liverpool canal. The second line
finishes in Southport, famous for the Lord Street shops,
complete with
Victorian canopies. BLACKPOOL
South
Blackpool
Pleasure Beach
St Anneson-the-Sea
Squires Gate
Andsell &
Fairhaven
Lytham
Blackpool
North
Kirkham &
Westham
Moss Side
Liverpool
KIRKBY
The South Fylde Line
The South Fylde line starts in Preston and runs inland to
Kirkham where it veers off the main line on a single line
branch that follows the Fylde coast to Blackpool. Once on
the coast the line skirts traditional links golf courses with
glimpses of the 58m tower at Blackpool and then finally
arrives at Blackpool South station close to the bustle of the
Golden Mile.
The line passes through genteel Lytham with its exclusive
shops, restored windmill and there is real ale pub in the old
station buildings. Ansdell & Fairhaven station is close to the
famous Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club and also
Fairhaven Lake, with its hire boats and cafés. St. Anneson-the-Sea
has recently seen a major refurbishment and
with a Victorian Pier, annual kite festival and miles of
golden sands is well worth a visit. Just before the end of
the line is Britain's most popular theme park with its
PRESTON
Rainford
Lancaster,
Glasgow
own station called
Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Bamber
Bridge
Lostock
Hall
Manchester
Wigan
Crewe
London
BLACKBURN
Mill Hill
Pleasington
Leeds & Liverpool Canal,
Burscough Bridge
Photo: Visitlancashire.com
Croston
SOUTHPORT
FURTHER INFORMATION Meols Cop
County & Tourist Information Centres:
Blackburn j 0870 608 2 608
Bescar Lane
Rufford
Blackpool j 01253 478222
New Lane
Lytham j 01253 794405
Burscough Bridge Hoscar
Nelson j 01282 698533
Parbold Ormskirk Church Photo:
Ormskirk j 01695 579062
Burscough
Appley Bridge Visitlancashire.com
ORMSKIRK
Junction
Preston j 01772 253731
Clitheroe j 01200 442226
Southport j 01704 533333
Gathurst
Liverpool
WEBSITES
WIGAN
www.communityraillancashire.co.uk
Wallgate
Upholland
Bolton
www.dalesrail.com
Manchester
www.ribblevalleyrail.co.uk
Orrell Pemberton
PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Traveline j 0871 200 22 33
www.traveline.org.uk/index.htm
Northern Rail j 0845 00 00 125
www.northernrail.org
National Rail j 08457 48 49 50
www.nationalrail.co.uk
Cherry
Tree

SOUTH FYLDE LINES
•
The Ribble Valley Line
The Ribble Valley Line starts in Manchester and traverses
the Irwell Valley to Bolton followed by a climb over the West
Pennine Moors to the cotton towns of Darwen and
Blackburn and then into the Ribble Valley. The journey is a
contrast of industrial heritage and lovely rural scenes.
Langho
Ramsgreave
& Wilpshire
Rishton
Entwistle
Wigan
and Southport
Manchester is the fast growing
Settle & Carlisle Line business centre of the
Northwest of England and
CLITHEROE would need a whole book to do
COLNE
they say, to find why pick
Nelson
Whalley
Brierfield
BURNLEY
Barracks
Church &
Oswaldtwistle
Bromley
Cross
Hall 'i 'th
Wood
BOLTON
it justice. Bolton is
famous for elephants, or so
Salford
Central
Salford
Crescent
BURNLEY
Central
Rose Grove
Hapton
Hebden Bridge
Halifax
Leeds
Huncoat BURNLEY
Manchester Road York
ACCRINGTON up a copy of the
Elephant Walk Guide
from the tourist information centre.
Darwen and Blackburn are famous for
cotton production and old mills and chimneys can be
seen from the train. The picture box village of
Darwen
Whalley, once the home of Cistercian monks, is
well worth a visit and at Clitheroe you can
marvel at the smallest keep of any castle
in England.
WALKING TO FITNESS
There are many walks available from
all the lines here and there is a full
programme of guided walks led by
the Rail Ramblers, as well as self
guided walks. More information can
be found at:
www.communityraillancashire.co.uk
www.dalesrail.com
www.railramblers.com
www.blackburn.gov.uk
www.ribblevalleyrail.co.uk
MANCHESTER
Victoria
The East Lancashire Line
The line is about 30 miles in
length from Preston to Colne
and is a route of contrasts.
Starting at Preston the
junction with the West Coast
Main Line it ends at Colne an
attractive Market Town and
the home of the annual
Rhythm and Blues Festival.
The route passes through
attractive countryside and
the busy towns of Blackburn,
Accrington, Burnley and
Nelson. The journey affords excellent views of Pendle Hill
as well as Hoghton Tower.
In Blackburn, a cathedral town, you will find the largest
undercover market in the Northwest and an interesting
museum. The Haworth Art Gallery, with the largest
collection of Tiffany glass outside private ownership, is
near to Accrington station. The Weavers' Triangle in
Burnley is a preserved Victorian industrial townscape and
is close to the Leeds Liverpool canal which parallels the
East Lancashire Line for much of its length.
Boulsworth Hill,
near Trawden, Pendle
Blackburn
Cathedral
Photo: Blackburn
Borough Council
Photo:
Visitlancashire.com
COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIPS
The four lines shown here all have active community rail
partnerships, involved in promoting the lines. For more information
regarding the work of the partnerships, please contact:
Richard Watts, Partnership Secretary,
j 01772 534582 Fax: 01772 533014
richard.watts@lancashire.gov.uk
Simon Clarke, Community Rail Development Officer
j 01772 530144 Fax: 01772 533014
simon.clarke@lancashire.gov.uk
Brian Haworth, Community Rail Development Officer
j 01772 530144 Fax: 01772 533014
brian.haworth@lancashire.gov.uk
All at: Lancashire County Council
PO Box 78, County Hall, Fishergate Hill, Preston PR1 8XJ

24
LEEDS TO THE SETTLE-CARLISLE AND THE LANCASTER
he area served by the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line
Tand the line to Lancaster and Morecambe is some
of the finest countryside in Britain. The Settle-Carlisle
line is well known for its rich and varied history and
its spectacular route through the hills and dales of
Yorkshire and Cumbria. The less well-known Leeds-
Lancaster and Morecambe line, The Bentham Line,
branches off at Settle junction and heads towards the
Lune Valley and historic Lancaster before arriving at
the seaside town of Morecambe.
The Leeds-Settle-Carlisle line
The famous Settle-Carlisle line begins its journey at
Leeds and travels initially through the Aire Valley to
Skipton. This part of the route is a fascinating tribute
to our industrial heritage, where Victorian mill owners
with entrepreneurial courage and flare generated
huge wealth. Leaving Settle the scenic splendour of
the route becomes evident as the railway carves its
way through the northern uplands to Carlisle. The 72
miles between Settle and Carlisle holds many attractions.
At Ribblehead the 24 arches of the viaduct carry
the train over Batty Moss. Dent station is the highest
mainline station in Britain and Ais Gill, the summit of
the line is 1169 feet above sea level. Appleby and the
Eden valley sit between the Pennines and the
Lakeland hills and the lush sheltered valley is undiscovered
and delightful. Arriving at Carlisle, you have
the opportunity to explore one of the most attractive
cities in England, with its castle, Cathedral and
pedestrianised centre.
CARLISLE
Settle Station
Ribblehead viaduct
Carnforth
Armathwaite
Lazonby
Langwathby
Photo: Ray Price
Photo: Ray Price
Appleby
Wennington
Bentham
Kirkby
Stephen
Dent
Garsdale
Ribblehead
Horton-in-
Ribblesdale
MORECAMBE
Lancaster
Clapham
Giggleswick
Settle
FURTHER INFORMATION
For times and ticket information call National Rail Enquiries
(24hrs) j 08457 48 49 50.
For Group Travel bookings on the S&C call Freephone
j 0800 98 007 66
Northern Rail services information j 0845 00 00 125
Settle-Carlisle website www.settle-carlisle.co.uk
Leeds-Lancaster-Morecambe website: www.llmr.co.uk
Long Preston
Hellifield
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Leeds j 0113 242 5242
Settle j 01729 825192
Kirkby Stephen j 01768 371199
Carlisle j 01228 625 600
Lancaster j 01524 32878
Morecambe j 01524 582808

MORECAMBE LINE
•
The Bentham Line
Connecting Leeds, Lancaster and
Morecambe
To discover an area full of charm with
wonderful views, take a trip on the Leeds-
Lancaster-Morecambe line. The line follows the
route from Leeds to Settle junction where it
branches off towards Giggleswick and Clapham
before reaching the Line Valley, Carnforth and
Lancaster. Lancaster City has a wealth of
things to see and do and the Tourist Information
Centre is just down from the station by the
Castle. Alternatively travel through to
Morecambe and take in the fresh sea air along
the newly improved promenade and stone jetty.
Melling Bridge
Photo: Ray Price
Northern Sprinter in snow
Photo:
John Brown
Guided Walks and bus links
Regular guided walks, free to
rail users, and varied bus
routes from stations, will help
you to discover the area of both
these railway lines.
To obtain more information on
the walks, and a whole host of
other information, log on to
www.settle-carlisle.co.uk or
www.dalesrail.com or pick
up a leaflet at one of the local
stations or TICs.
Tickets
A range of tickets allows
different journey opportunities
on both routes. Ranger and
Rover tickets are also available.
For times and ticket
information call National Rail
Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50
(24 hrs). Group Travel –
discounts are available for
groups of 10 or more people
travelling together (excludes
some periods). For group
bookings and enquiries on the
S&C call 0800 98 007 66.
Gargrave
Skipton
Keighley
Bingley
Shipley
LEEDS
Dent Head
Photo: Ray Price

25
FIRST TRANSPENNINE EXPRESS
ransPennine Express services to Cumbria and the
TLake District pass through some of the most
beautiful and well loved parts of the north west of
England.
Boats on Lake Windermere
Photo: TPE
Windermere – Oxenholme section
The twin towns of Windermere and Bowness-on-
Windermere owe their popularity to the arrival of the
railway in 1847. Walks to the higher parts of
Windermere offer excellent views of the lake and
the nearby fells whilst lake cruises from Bowness Carlisle
travel north to Waterhead, a ten minute walk
from Ambleside and south to Lakeside.
Cycle hire is available at Windermere, with Barrow
-in-Furness
special offers for rail travellers. Cyclists and
energetic walkers can take the ferry from Bowness to
the more peaceful side of the lake where they will find
scenic paths and access to Grizedale Forest Park.
Kendal Castle was the Birthplace of Catherine Parr,
sixth wife of Henry VIII.
The town is home to the Museum of Lakeland Life and
Industry with its reconstructed shops and home
settings. Abbot Hall houses an art gallery which
includes many works by artists who were inspired by
the landscape of the Lake District.
The original office of Alfred Wainwright, whose
handwritten guides to the Lake District remain the
definitive works for many visitors, can be seen in the
Kendal Museum.
A short bus or taxi ride from Oxenholme station is
Levens Hall, where the Topiary Garden is considered
to be one of the finest in the country. Its yew trees
have been clipped into an amazing variety of shapes,
including a set of chess pieces! One mile north
of Levens Hall is Sizergh Castle, a National Trust
property which offers excellent views over the lower
Lakeland Fells.
Barrow – Carnforth section
Barrow-in-Furness grew in importance during the 19th
Century as a major shipbuilding centre. The industry’s
history is told at the Dock Museum. The Isle of Walney,
reached by road bridge from Barrow, is home to two
important nature and wildlife reserves.
Dalton station not only serves Furness Abbey and Dalton
Castle, a fourteenth century tower owned by the National
Trust, but is
also the station
for the
Windermere
South Lakes Wild Animal
Park. Widely regarded as
Britain's best conservation park
it is the home of the Sumatran
Tiger Trust. Lemurs wander
freely around the park whilst
visitors can walk amongst the
Ulverston
Dalton
Cark
Grange
-over-Sands
Carnforth
largest and most varied
Kangaroo collection in
Europe.
LANCASTER
Ulverston was the
birthplace of Stan Laurel in 1890
and hosts the Laurel and Hardy
Museum. The local, award winning,
Ulverston Brewing Company has
named many of its distinctive real
ales in honour of the comedy duo.
Staveley
Burneside
Kendal
Oxenholme
Lake District
Enjoying
the great
outdoors at
Windermere
Photo:
Tony Miles
Blackpool
Arnside
Silverdale
PRESTON
Carlisle
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Manchester

•
Cark & Cartmel station is roughly a mile from Holker Hall
which features award winning gardens and the Lakeland
Motor Museum, which includes the Campbell Bluebird
Exhibition.
Leaving the train at the restored Grange-over-Sands station
enables visitors to stroll along the promenade or visit the
colourful Ornamental Gardens and enjoy the peaceful
atmosphere of this picturesque seaside resort. A regular bus
service runs to Newby Bridge, at the southern end of
Windermere and home to the Lakeside & Haverthwaite
Railway, the Aquarium of the Lakes and the National Trust’s
Fell Foot Park.
As it heads eastwards the Furness Line offers spectacular
views of Morecambe Bay. Highlights include the River Kent Viaduct
and the 49 span Leven Viaduct which won an engineering award in
2007 after a £14 million rebuilding project.
Arnside is surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty and
is the starting point for the Cross Bay, Westmorland Way and
Limestone Link walks.
Silverdale station serves the
RSPB reserve at Leighton
Moss, the largest reedbed in
north-west England. Whilst
entry to the Information Centre
and excellent tearoom is free
there is an admission charge
to the hides and nature trails
for non-RSPB members.
However this is waived for
anyone arriving by public
transport or bike.
There’s special offers on
cycle hire for rail travellers!
Photo:
Tony Miles
Carnforth station is a short
walk away from Warton Crag
Nature Reserve and its superb
views across the sands of Morecambe Bay. The station is famous as
the location for the 1945 film “Brief Encounter” and visitors can enjoy
a romantic interlude of their own in the Brief Encounter Refreshment
Room and Visitor Centre.
Lancaster boasts its own castle, a market hall that sells an
impressively wide variety of merchandise and the City and
Maritime Museums.
Trains continue via Preston, home of the
National Football Museum, through
Manchester, with its shops, galleries and
museums and on to Manchester Airport,
gateway to over 200 worldwide
destinations.
Grange-over-Sands station
Photo and text: Tony Miles
Tickets
Travelling to Cumbria and the Lake
District can cost from as little as £7.
This includes advance purchase fares
from Manchester to Windermere,
Manchester to Grange-over-Sands
and Edinburgh to Windermere plus
many more. For more information
and to purchase tickets visit
www.tpexpress.co.uk
Look out for the First TransPennine
Express walks booklet which can be
found at stations across the network.
The handy sized booklet contains a
selection of walks taking you direct
from a number of railway stations into
beautiful surrounding countryside. For
those people who like a pint of real ale
a discount is available at a range of
public houses on production of your
rail ticket. Pick up our ‘Real Ale Trail’
leaflet at one of our stations for more
information and to take advantage of
this offer.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For times and ticket information visit www.tpexpress.co.uk
Alternatively you can go to the National Rail Enquiries website at
www.nationalrail.co.uk
First TransPennine Express customer services j 0845 600 1671
Email: tpecustomer.relations@firstgroup.com

26
DURHAM AND CHESTER-LE-STREET
A bustling modern city and market town with Christian heritage
he East Coast Main Line passes through the
Thistoric county of Durham between London and
Edinburgh. The priceless Lindisfarne Gospels are
now kept at the British Library, close to King's
Cross, the ECML’s southern terminus. This is 260
miles south of Chester-le-Street.
The Gospels were completed prior to 721 AD in
honour of St. Cuthbert, the greatest saint of the
north, who died in 687AD, as a single work by
Bishop Eadfrith working on the Holy Island of
Lindisfarne, viewed from the ECML further north
near Berwick.
Visitors from Lesotho in Africa visiting
the shrine of St. Cuthbert, in Durham
since 995
Photo: Ed Hicks
Alex Nelson, Stationmaster of Chester-le-Street
conducts the Lesotho visitors
around Durham Castle
Photo: Ed Hicks
Following Viking raids in 875, the
community of St. Cuthbert left with the
saint's body and wandered around the
north before settling in Chester-le-Street
in 883. There the relics of St. Cuthbert,
and the Gospels, stayed for 112 years,
and during this time a church was built
there on the site of the
old Roman fort
CHESTER-LE-STREET
(predating Durham
Cathedral).
A Saxon priest, by the name of Aldred, took
the Lindisfarne Gospels and between the
lines of the original Latin wrote a wordfor-word
gloss of the Gospels into Old
English, the first known translation of the
most important book in the world into the most
important language in the world.
Today, Chester-le-Street is now the junior partner to
this story, the relics having moved on to Durham
in 995 after a brief stop in Ripon. National
Express trains to London do not call at
Chester-le-Street, but some TransPennine and
Cross Country ones do, and you can spend an
interesting few hours wandering this thriving
market town on its heritage trail, and visiting
the Ankers House Museum where the
anchorite was walled up for life in the
middle ages to a life of prayer and
contemplation.
For a stay nearby with real history at your door, try
Lumley Castle on the eastern side of Chester-le-Street
which was built in 1392 and is now a luxury hotel.
Six miles south is Durham, where the Normans built a
huge new Cathedral to cement their hold on the
northlands, and travel writer Bill Bryson “unhesitatingly
gave Durham my vote
for best cathedral on
planet Earth”. From
those kind words, Bill
was recently elected
Chancellor of the
University of Durham.
Also worth visiting in
Durham is the delightful
– and haunted – Crook
Hall, within easy
walking distance of the
railway station.
To Edinburgh
Newcastle
upon Tyne
DURHAM
Darlington
To London Kings Cross
Spend a peaceful afternoon at the delightful
Crook Hall and gardens
Photo: County Durham Tourism Partnership

•
The Wear and Framwellgate,
Durham, at night
Photo: Steve Highfield
Photography
Chester-le-Street is your local
National Rail station, wherever
you are.
Opposite the Cathedral,
across Palace Green,
Durham Castle is now
home to University
College, the oldest
constituent college of the
University of Durham. In vacations over Easter and the
long summer break its student accommodation is
available to visitors. The Norman chapel of the Castle
dates back to 1072, which makes it the oldest
university building in Europe and can be visited most
afternoons.
One of the best views of the Castle and Cathedral can be
had from the station, or indeed from passing trains, but do
get off (as Bill Bryson once did) to have a poke around one
of the finest mediaeval cities in Europe.
Rail Rovers
RailRovers are one of the great unmarketed products of the railway
industry, a leftover from British Rail, but which few of the TOCs like
to promote in case it loses them money! So Chester-le-Track
promotes them instead. There is a wide range of area schemes,
valid across specific areas, but the best deals are the All Line Rail
Rovers which are valid in 7 and 14 day variants in both Standard
and First Class. Even making two first class round trips from
Chester-le-Street to London in a week is cheaper with an All Line
Rail Rover, prices as follows (from 17 May 2009):
ADULT PRICES CHILD PRICES (5-15)
7 day 14 day 7 day 14 day
First Class £650 £990 £429 £653
Standard Class £430 £650 £284 £429
Some further railcard discounts are available – ask Chester-le-Track
for details.
There is a range of regional Rover tickets around the country.
To visit our area, the North East Rover is available in two forms:
Flexi Rover: (4 days out of 8) £75 (£37.50 child)
7 Day Rover: £87 (£43.50 child)
34% discount for holders of Senior, Young Persons and Disabled
Railcards. Valid after 0845 Mondays to Fridays, anytime weekends
and bank holidays, in an area bounded by the coast south to
Cleethorpes, Retford, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford,
Settle, Carlisle and Berwick.
TOURIST INFORMATION
www.durhamtourism.co.uk
j 0191 384 3720
Tourist Information Centre,
2 Millennium Place,
Durham, DH1 1WA
Lumley Castle:
www.lumleycastle.com
j 0191 389 1111
Durham Castle:
www.durhamcastle.com
j 0191 334 4106
Crook Hall:
www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
j 0191 384 8028
Chester-le-Street Station
Chester-le-Street’s railway station was
first opened in 1868, unstaffed from the
1980s and reopened by private company
Chester-le-Track in 1999. The company
has reinvigorated the station and
encouraged more train operating
companies (TOCs) to call so there are
now 28 trains each weekday.
The station also operates a virtual
booking office at
www.nationalrail.com
which provides information about rail
travel throughout the UK, including
Northern Ireland, and you can book
trains, accommodation, ferries and car
hire irrespective of where in Great Britain
you are going.
During office hours the station offers a
telephone booking service for journeys
anywhere in Britain on 0191 387 1387.
Give Chester-le-Track a call for your
journey requirements throughout the
country, or book on-line at
www.nationalrail.com

27 CUMBRIAN COAST LINE •
Description of the Line
The scenic railway line links the border city of Carlisle
in the north along the Cumbrian Coast to the industrial
and maritime town of Barrow-in-Furness in the south.
The journey of 85 miles passes through the Western
Lake District, an area steeped in cultural, industrial and
maritime history, set against a backdrop of lakes and
mountains.
Places to visit along the line
Barrow-in-Furness, the historic maritime town and
regional shopping centre, has the Dock Museum where
you can discover the town’s shipbuilding history.
Millom houses the RAF Millom Aviation & Military
Museum and you can also discover the town’s
industrial past at the Folk Museum. Ravenglass is the
Lakes District National Park’s only coastal village. Take
a trip on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway or visit
Muncaster Castle. Whitehaven is a Georgian town with
a historic harbour and marina. You can visit The Rum
Story or The Beacon Visitor Centre. Maryport is an
attractive coastal town on the Solway estuary. Visit
the Lake District Coast Aquarium, the Wave
Centre or discover Maryport’s Roman
past at the Senhouse Roman Museum.
At Carlisle, discover thousands of
years of Carlisle and Border history at
the Tullie House Museum and Art
Gallery, or explore the mysterious
chambers, stairways and dungeons
at Carlisle Castle.
Maryport
Workington
Whitehaven
Northern Rock near Beckfoot Halt
Photo: Ravenglass
& Eskdale Railway
Aspatria
Scotland
CARLISLE
Newcastle
Leeds
via Settle
Lancaster
Wigton
Through ticketing to the
Ravenglass & Eskdale
Railway is available from any
station on the Cumbrian Coast
line which includes a day’s
unlimited travel on the
Ravenglass & Eskdale
Railway, a journey of 7 miles
from the Lake District’s only
coastal village Ravenglass to
the foot of the England’s
highest mountain.
For train times on the
Ravenglass &
Eskdale Railway
please call
01229 71 71 71 or visit
www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk
St Bees
Sellafield
Seascale
Between Whitehaven and Workington
Photo: Northern Rail
Tickets to explore at your leisure
Cumbria Day Ranger
Cumbria Round Robin
Cumbrian Coast Day Ranger
Lakes Day Ranger
North West & North Country Rovers
Ravenglass
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on train times,
tickets and fares please call:
National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50
or visit www.northernrail.org
Millom
Barrow
-in-Furness
Foxfield
Lancaster
There are over 20 stations between
Barrow and Carlisle. Not all are
shown on the map.
Near Ravenglass
Photo: Jackie Pharaoh

28 FIFE
•
he ancient Kingdom of Fife lies between Edinburgh
Tand Dundee and is linked to the two cities by two
recognisable railway landmarks - the Forth and Tay
Bridges. Fife is an area of great variety with attractive
villages, sandy beaches, open countryside and a rich
historic heritage. Fife has 19 railway stations served by
3 routes: the Fife Circle, which serves south Fife; the
Inverness Line, serving south and central Fife and the
East Coast Mainline running between England,
Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Hop off at the Tay Rail Bridge
following stations for just some of the great days out you
can have by train in Fife:
North Queensferry - stunning views of the famous Forth
Bridge and a visit to Deep Sea World, Britain's first World
Class Aquarium.
Dunfermline Town - historic Dunfermline with its Palace
and Abbey, burial place of King Robert the Bruce.
Aberdour - picturesque Aberdour won the Community
Rail Award for Best Station Garden in Britain in 2005. Visit
the Silver Sands beach (European Blue Flag holder) and Forth Bridge
Aberdour Castle.
Leuchars - Leuchars is the nearest station for St Andrews and
has excellent bus links with the town. Buy a 'St Andrews Railbus
ticket' for through travel by train and bus to the
enchanting, picturesque 'home of golf.'
Why not walk
some (or all!) of
the 81-mile Fife
Coastal Path,
which hugs the
coast between the
Forth and Tay Bridges
The path is easily accessible
from the following stations:
North Queensferry, Inverkeithing,
Dalgety Bay, Aberdour,
Burntisland, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy
and Leuchars.
See the Useful Websites
section for more
information.
See the Useful
Websites section
for more details
on...
Bikes - Thinking of
taking your bike on
the train Fife has a
superb network of
Photo: Fife Council signed cycleways.
Planes - Flying to
Edinburgh Use the
airdirect747 bus link
from the airport to
Inverkeithing Station
for easy access to
Fife and the north by
train.
Photo: Fife Council Integrated Tickets
- PlusBus tickets are
available for Dunfermline Town,
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy. A St
Andrews Railbus Ticket is available
for through train/bus travel between
Leuchars Station and St Andrews.
Station Facilities - Visit the
‘Train Information’ page on
www.fifedirect.org.uk for more
details.
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.airdirect747.com
www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk
www.fifecoastalpath.com
www.fife-cycleways.co.uk
www.fifedirect.org.uk
www.nationalexpresseastcoast.co.uk
www.plusbus.info
www.scotrail.co.uk
www.travelinescotland.com
www.visitfife.com
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Anstruther (summer only) j 01333 311073
Crail (summer only) j 01333 450869
Dunfermline (all year) j 01383 720999
Kirkcaldy (all year) j 01592 267775
St Andrews (all year) j 01334 472021

29 *SCOTLAND
* Not part of the Free Enquiry Service
Forsinard
THURSO
Georgemas
Junction
WICK
Helmsdale
Lairg
Golspie
Tain
Garve Invergordon Elgin
Achnasheen
Dingwall
Forres
Strathcarron
Nairn
Attadale
INVERNESS
Keith
Culloden Viaduct
Huntley
Photo: James Lawrence
KYLE OF
LOCHALSH
MALLAIG
Spean
Bridge
Aviemore
Newtonmore
Inverurie
Dyce
ABERDEEN
Stonehaven
Fort
William
Rannoch
Pitlochry
Montrose
Arbroath
DUNDEE
Lunan Beach
Dalmally Crianlarich PERTH
Tay Bridge
OBAN
Cupar
For more information on services
and things to see and do in this
Gairlochhead
area, please see section 28
STIRLING
Falkirk
Grahamston Kirkcaldy North
Forth Bridge Berwick
GOUROCK GLASGOW Falkirk
Dunbar
WEMYSS
High
Queen Street
BAY Paisley
Central Shotts EDINBURGH
LARGS
Berwickupon
Tweed
Motherwell
Ardrossan
Carstairs
Harbour
Kilmarnock
To Newcastle upon
Irvine
Lanark
Tyne and London
Prestwick
Ayr
STRANRAER
Maybole
Girvan
Barrhill
New
Cumnock
Kirkonnel
Sanquhar
Dumfries
Locherbie
Gretna
Green
Annan
CARLISLE
To Newcastle upon
To Workington
Tyne and Leeds
To Preston
and London
Photo: Ian Clark
Strathclyde, of which Glasgow is just
part, has the largest network of urban
railway lines in Britain outside
London. These can be used to reach
such places as Dumbarton Castle,
Balloch (for Loch Lomond), Lanark (for
New Lanark), the David Livingstone
Centre at Blantyre and many more.
Glasgow also has an Underground
Railway which provides useful
connections around the city centre.

•
cotland has an excellent rail network for such a
Smountainous country. Many of the rural lines
escaped the ‘Cuts’ of the 1960s due to the
difficulty of providing alternative forms of transport
and to this day, you can still reach some of the
remotest parts of Scotland by train.
And with some great all-inclusive ticket deals, the
train really is the best way to get around the
Highlands, Uplands and Lowlands. Trains will take
you directly to many of the most interesting places
but by using connecting coaches, buses, post
buses and ferries, you can reach almost every
corner of this beautiful and ancient land. For details of some of the many
tickets on offer - see the panel opposite.
Mountains, wild moorland, lochs, fast flowing rivers, deep glens, extensive
woodland, secluded sandy bays and remote towns and fishing villages are
all easily accessible by train. Or if your preference is for castles, battle
sites, distilleries, ancient houses and landscaped gardens, there’s a
plethora of these to see too.
The three lines from England provide a scenic entry into the country and
bring you swiftly to the capital, Edinburgh, ‘The Athens of the North’ or the
great metropolis of Glasgow, renowned for its museums, architecture and
shopping. From these two hubs, themselves connected by a frequent train
service in less than an hour, there is easy access to other major towns and
cities such as Dundee, Aberdeen, Stirling, Perth and Inverness.
Most lines are served by modern trains with on-board catering facilities.
You’ll really enjoy the views as the trains thread their way through the
mountains, sometimes to parts to which even roads do not reach.
FURTHER INFORMATION
National Rail Enquiries j 08457 48 49 50
Scotrail
www.scotrail.com
Virgin Trains
www.virgin.co.uk/trains
National Express East Coast www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com
Strathclyde Partnership for
Transport
www.spt.co.uk
Undiscovered Scotland www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
(Excellent site for a virtual tour)
Aberdeen j 01224 288828
Arbroath j 01241 872609
Aviemore j 0845 22 55 121
Ayr j 01292 290300
Dumfries j 01387 253862
Dunbar j 0845 22 55 121
Dundee j 01382 527527
Edinburgh j 0845 22 55 121
Elgin j 01343 542666
Falkirk j 08707 200614
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Oban
Photo: TM
Fort William j 01845 22 55 121
Glasgow j 0141 204 4400
Inverness j 01845 22 55 121
Kyle of Lochalsh j01845 22 55 121
Lanark j 01555 661661
Oban j 08707 200630
Perth j 01738 450600
Stirling j 08707 200622
Thurso j 01845 22 55 121
Wick j 01845 22 55 121
Rover Tickets
Several Rover Tickets are
available for travel in
Scotland. The Freedom of
Scotland Travelpass is
valid for unlimited travel
(with certain peak hour
restrictions) on all the
scheduled services of
Scotrail, National Express East Coast
and Virgin Trains. It is also valid on
Caledonian Macbrayne ferries and
selected bus and coach services. Travel
Passes are available for 4 days travel in
an 8 day period or 8 days travel in a
15 day period.
The Highland Rover is valid on lines
radiating from Inverness as far as
Aviemore, Aberdeen, Kyle of Lochalsh,
Wick and Thurso and also between
Glasgow and Oban/Mallaig plus
selected bus and ferry services.
The Central Scotland Rover is valid
in a triangle covered by Edinburgh,
Glasgow and Stirling plus other points
such as Dunblane, North Berwick,
Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.
Contact Scotrail or the National Rail
Enquiry Line for full details.
Yet another option is SPT’s Daytripper
Ticket which is valid on all the local
lines, buses and some ferries around
Glasgow as far afield as Balloch, Girvan
and Lanark.
For details contact Traveline on
j 0871 200 22 33 or Strathclyde
Partnership for Transport.
Sleepers
Sleeping Car Trains run from London
Euston to Edinburgh, Glasgow,
Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness
and are a very economical way of
getting to Scotland saving a day’s travel
each way and the cost of overnight
accommodation.
Contact www.scotrail.com
for days of operation and details of
promotional fares.

SCENIC BRITAIN
by train
FURTHER
INFORMATION
If you require information from more than one place, please
encircle the numbers which interest you. We will forward your
enquiry to the organisations concerned.
[Please note that we cannot guarantee to forward your enquiry after
30th April 2010, though this is usually possible]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30
Please remember to fill in your name and address
Name.......................................................................................................................................
Address....................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
Postcode ......................................................... Country ...........................................................
Please tell us where you obtained this booklet.........................................................................

Freepost RRUR-LSSG-KRSU
Scenic Britain
PO BOX 98
Huddersfield
HD7 9AB

30
THE ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIPS
New life for local lines
Community railways are rural and local lines which have
been specially designated as routes which can be put on
a sustainable basis by bringing income and costs closer
together, whilst reflecting the wishes of local people in
developing their service.
Each community railway is supported by a Community Rail Partnership. These are grassroots
organisations which bring together train operators, local authorities, community groups and
local businesses to promote their local railway. They are positive, pro-active and imaginative!
They can cover specific routes like the Penistone or Yorkshire Coast Lines, networks of routes
such as Devon and Cornwall, or individual stations such as Handforth and Saunderton. In the
last four years there has been a remarkable growth in their number and in the range of
activities the community rail partnership undertake.
ACoRP (the Association of Community Rail Partnerships) is the national body representing
the 60+ community rail partnerships and rail promotion groups around the UK. Many of
these are along some of Britain’s most scenic railways and much of our work involves
encouraging visitors to explore Britain’s countryside by rail. ACoRP has recently been
involved in several new initiatives that formed community rail partnerships, including the
Cumbrian Coast line and the Three Rivers area around Southampton and the New Forest.
ACoRP is recognised and supported by the Department for Transport, Network Rail, the
Association of Train Operating Companies and other corporate sponsors including train
operators, local authorities and other rail businesses who have an interest in seeing our
rural and local lines thrive.
Achievements – Community Rail Partnerships have achieved a lot with very little! Through
their imaginative marketing, community involvement and persistent hard work they have
achieved big increases in passengers using the lines and have contributed to improved
services and station facilities. They have achieved their main aim in bringing the railway
back to the heart of the community.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about the many great railway lines in this booklet, now
get on and plan that trip!
You can become an ACoRP supporter for £20 a year - contact us for details.
Contacts
General Manager: Neil Buxton
Office Manager: Dawn Wolrich
Association of Community Rail Partnerships
15a New Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5AB
Phone: 01484 847790 Fax: 01484 847877
Email: info@acorp.uk.com Website: www.acorp.uk.com