Ecclesbourne Railway Questions

[yorkie]

In the Spring a group of us from this forum plan to cycle on the High Peak Tail, in the past we have cycled from Cromford/Whatstandwell but this time we are considering taking a train from Duffield to Ravenstor, according to the timetable the first train from Duffield is at 11:10 (we will be doing the journey in April) then 13:10.

We are considering a Sunday, but it appears that the trains from Derby to Duffield arrive at 09:59 and 12:07.

Is this correct, as if so there isn't effectively a connection on Sundays? If so we will travel on a Saturday or Tuesday instead, when trains arrive into Duffield at 10:57 which is a good connection.

Will we have any difficulties bringing bikes along? Can/should we reserve? And what would the cost for a group of about 5 people be for a single?

 

[Wyvern]

The main line EMT trains are only two-hourly on a Sunday so dont easily connect with the EVR.

Saturday will be OK but the mid-week Summer trains this year have been Wednesdays.

THe actual timetable for next year has not been finalised but the EVR reopens in March

The last question I cant answer, as it depends what stock will running.

Do you have Facebook? . You can keep contact by https://www.facebook.com/wyvernrail

Also there's a fascinating newsfeed on http://wyvernrail.blogspot.com/

 

[nferguso]

<snip> Also there's a fascinating newsfeed on http://wyvernrail.blogspot.com/

In the Spring a group of us from this forum plan to cycle on the High Peak Tail, <snip>

Hello Yorkie and hello Wyvern - Happy New Year to you both!

There's no denying that the Sunday connections at Duffield are "sub-optimal" to put it mildly and I would certainly reccommend visiting on a Saturday if you want to come by rail: the connections are better and the town has a lot more going on too.

We don't have a problem with cyclists coming, indeed we encourage them! It would probably be best to give us a call a couple of days before you come just so we know to expect you, but other than that just come along and enjoy the ride. Do, however, be careful with the EMT service: time it wrong and you might get a crowded 153 and there might well be a problem having them accomodate you.

Once you get to Wirksworth, you can change for the shuttle to Ravenstor although you might simply want to cycle from Wirksworth station: just beware that it's all uphill!

Once you have exerted yourselves, there are plenty of opportunities for liquid refreshment: there are six pubs in Wirksworth, all serving real ale (two in the Good Beer Guide), while in Middleton-by-Wirksworth (close to the famous incline), both the Rising Sun and The Nelson Arms should be able to welcome you.

We are also quite well sorted for accomodation and this page from our website might be of interest if you decide to stay: http://www.e-v-r.com/accommodation/

Do keep in touch - it would be pleasure to meet you all when you come to Wirksworth!

Kind regards,

Neil

 

[yorkie]

Thanks for the replies The shuttle to Ravenstor would be best (as I'd like to experience the incline on the train and it saves us a bit of uphill!)

Is it possible to walk up the old incline from Ravenstor to the High Peak Trail? I have always previously gone to/from Cromford/Whatstandwell and not noticed where this incline joined the trail. It's not clear from Google/Bing maps. That that will be the start of our ride, which will either be to Tutbury & Hatton, Stoke-on-Trent or Congleton (we've done 4 rides on the High Peak/Tissington trails so far, starting at Whatstandwell/Cromford to TUT twice and Buxton to each of SOT and Congleton).

 

[pcgenius9]

Hello there, thank you for considering the EVR!

The timetable for 2012 has indeed been finalised and can be viewed at http://www.e-v-r.com/timetable/ . You just have to scroll past the current winter timetable which ends mid-March.

The timetable is designed to allow a connection from the main line to Wirksworth and then on to Ravenstor on Saturdays (Tuesdays from June to September). The erratic main line timetable on Sundays makes connections rather more difficult.

If there is a group of you that wish to bring bikes I would recommend you talk to East Midlands Trains as they can only carry about two per train on that branch but may be able to make special arrangements.

 

[yorkie]

Thanks. Looks like we may have to wait until later in the Summer then.

If you decide to run any additional trains during weekdays around Easter, then that would be ideal for us, so let us know if that happens

 

[pcgenius9]

If there is a group of 10 of you or more then you can charter your own train on a date and time to suit you (providing it is not already booked).

Check out http://www.e-v-r.com/traincharter/ . You can do a single journey as well so contact the railway if you require a price for just one way or something.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Hello Yorkie and hello Wyvern - Happy New Year to you both!

There's no denying that the Sunday connections at Duffield are "sub-optimal" to put it mildly and I would certainly reccommend visiting on a Saturday if you want to come by rail: the connections are better and the town has a lot more going on too.

We don't have a problem with cyclists coming, indeed we encourage them! It would probably be best to give us a call a couple of days before you come just so we know to expect you, but other than that just come along and enjoy the ride. Do, however, be careful with the EMT service: time it wrong and you might get a crowded 153 and there might well be a problem having them accomodate you.

Once you get to Wirksworth, you can change for the shuttle to Ravenstor although you might simply want to cycle from Wirksworth station: just beware that it's all uphill!

Once you have exerted yourselves, there are plenty of opportunities for liquid refreshment: there are six pubs in Wirksworth, all serving real ale (two in the Good Beer Guide), while in Middleton-by-Wirksworth (close to the famous incline), both the Rising Sun and The Nelson Arms should be able to welcome you.

We are also quite well sorted for accomodation and this page from our website might be of interest if you decide to stay: http://www.e-v-r.com/accommodation/

Do keep in touch - it would be pleasure to meet you all when you come to Wirksworth!

Kind regards,

Neil

I Have heard very good reports of the EVR especially since it now runs into Duffield with connections to the MML. When the 2012 summer timetables come in, will it be feasable to do a visit there with time to allow a couple of trips on the main branch and at least one on the incline, with poss time for lunch too, as a day trip from London STP. I could prob get to STP from my home in South West London for around 0900 hrs? Is there a day rover ticket for all parts of the EVR?

 

[pcgenius9]

Yes this is indeed very possible. Assuming you can arrive at St. Pancras for 08:55 you can catch the 08:55 to Derby, change for the Matlock service at 10:50, getting off in Duffield at 10:57. Our train is timed to leave Duffield at 11:10. This in turn gets you in to Wirksworth for 11:43, just in time to have some lunch in our Pullman buffet car.

Going back, it all depends on what time you have to leave, but both our 14:20 and 16:20 services tie up with onward connections to Derby and thus, London St. Pancras.

It is in theory possible for you to buy a return ticket to Wirksworth from London St. Pancras as it is with any station on the national network with a ticket office, however I haven't yet seen somebody buy one direct from here so if you do get one, make sure you show us!

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Yes this is indeed very possible. Assuming you can arrive at St. Pancras for 08:55 you can catch the 08:55 to Derby, change for the Matlock service at 10:50, getting off in Duffield at 10:57. Our train is timed to leave Duffield at 11:10. This in turn gets you in to Wirksworth for 11:43, just in time to have some lunch in our Pullman buffet car.

Going back, it all depends on what time you have to leave, but both our 14:20 and 16:20 services tie up with onward connections to Derby and thus, London St. Pancras.

It is in theory possible for you to buy a return ticket to Wirksworth from London St. Pancras as it is with any station on the national network with a ticket office, however I haven't yet seen somebody buy one direct from here so if you do get one, make sure you show us!

Many Thanks for this most useful info, I should be able to get to St. P for the 0855, so would be able to get a full day on the EVR. Looked at some sample fares and they are not too bad, in fact 1st class at weekend is only very slightly higher than STD on EMT/MML. I Would hope to do this in the spring or early summer. Rgds.

 

[pcgenius9]

Excellent, we look forward to seeing you!