Which Peak District railways to visit?

[AspiringDriver]

Going on a week’s family holiday next month, staying near Ashbourne.

By my reckoning, there are 4 major heritage railways in striking distance:

• Churney Valley Railway
• Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
• Peak Rail
• Midland Railway Butterley

Now, I reckon I’ll get away with going to two of them at most. So the question is, which two do I choose?

I like steam but am more into diesel. Looking for a nice ride as well as plenty to see.

Any recommendations? Either “must see” or “don’t bother”.

Thanks.

 

[birchesgreen]

EVR and Peak Rail are very close so you should be able to do both, Peak Rail has it's yard with plenty of interesting stuff.

 

[xotGD]

I'd recommend the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. I went there for the first time this year, and thought it was a good line, with a few chances for locos to do their thing. The incline is an interesting operational feature too.

 

[birchesgreen]

I'd recommend the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. I went there for the first time this year, and thought it was a good line, with a few chances for locos to do their thing. The incline is an interesting operational feature too.

Yeah the run up to Ravenstor is short but is great thrash.

 

[duffield]

If you visit the EVR, its base, Wirksworth is set in a charming little town; the centre is only five minutes walk from the station and has attractions such as The Feather Star pub (situated in the Red Lion Hotel) with its excellent range of ale and cider.

 

[birchesgreen]

Parish church in Wirksworth is rather lovely. St Mary i think, medieval with some Saxon elements.

 

[Teaboy1]

Midland Railway at Butterley is fine for a full day. Dont think you can do it in a few hours because you wont manage to see the best bits. Swanwick is only accessible via the train from Butterley so forget the car. Leave car at Butterley station and just go with the flow.

 

[50002Superb]

Going on a week’s family holiday next month, staying near Ashbourne.

By my reckoning, there are 4 major heritage railways in striking distance:

• Churney Valley Railway
• Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
• Peak Rail
• Midland Railway Butterley

Now, I reckon I’ll get away with going to two of them at most. So the question is, which two do I choose?

I like steam but am more into diesel. Looking for a nice ride as well as plenty to see.

Any recommendations? Either “must see” or “don’t bother”.

Thanks.

Out of those I would put MRC last unless there is a special event on.

 

[Haywain]

I will second the suggestions for the Ecclesbourne Valley and Peak Rail. As a bonus, it's only a short walk from Ravenstor on the EVR to the Steeple Grange Light Railway, so you could go for a hat-trick!

 

[DarloRich]

I haven't done Churnet Valley. Always seems hard to get to and has a limited timetable.

The others are all quite short and not that inspiring tbh. Peak Rail is short, the boss wasn't impressed and last time I went they couldn't run into Matlock station for reasons that are to boring to recall. EVR is fine. I enjoyed my visit. The boss thought it was boring.

MRC has a bit of a dilapidated feel in places and some liner scrap yard sections. I enjoyed my visit but it seems to need some investment - I haven't taken the boss to that one so cant record her views!

As above do Peak Rail and EVR together.

Maybe add Crich Tramway village to your list.

 

[norbitonflyer]

There is an abundance of heritage railways in the area. As well as the four you mention, Barrow Hill is not far away, and nor is Crich if you like trams.

Peak Rail also hosts the Heritage Shunter Trust (HST - geddit?) at Rowsley, which has examples of all classes 01-08, including the only preserved examples of classes 01 and 06

 

[Haywain]

I haven't done Churnet Valley. Always seems hard to get to and has a limited timetable.

Yes, a right sod to get to without a car.

The others are all quite short and not that inspiring tbh. Peak Rail is short, the boss wasn't impressed and last time I went they couldn't run into Matlock station for reasons that are to boring to recall. EVR is fine. I enjoyed my visit. The boss thought it was boring.

My wife like the EVR, haven't done Peak Rail for a while but next month...

MRC has a bit of a dilapidated feel in places and some liner scrap yard sections.

Yes, it's a collection of places to keep stuff waiting to be restored!

 

[DarloRich]

Yes, a right sod to get to without a car.

absolutely

My wife like the EVR, haven't done Peak Rail for a while but next month...

EVR had a low entry on the peepomter and there was insufficient chuffing

 

[Dr Hoo]

Although the OP (an aspiring driver of road vehicles or trains?) clearly enjoys rides on trains I would give a shout out for the various former railway ‘trails’. Some great views to be had, really away from it all. Plenty of cycle hire and refreshments options with a bit of research if gentle walking isn’t what’s wanted.

 

[AspiringDriver]

Thanks everyone, lots to consider.

Crich is already on the list, and I hadn’t twigged that Barrow Hill was nearby so thanks for that one @norbitonflyer

I appreciate the tips.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Jul 2025 ==

Although the OP (an aspiring driver of road vehicles or trains?)

It was trains. Sadly I think that opportunity has now passed me by.

 

[duffield]

I haven't done Churnet Valley. Always seems hard to get to and has a limited timetable.

The others are all quite short and not that inspiring tbh. Peak Rail is short, the boss wasn't impressed and last time I went they couldn't run into Matlock station for reasons that are to boring to recall. EVR is fine. I enjoyed my visit. The boss thought it was boring.

MRC has a bit of a dilapidated feel in places and some liner scrap yard sections. I enjoyed my visit but it seems to need some investment - I haven't taken the boss to that one so cant record her views!

As above do Peak Rail and EVR together.

Maybe add Crich Tramway village to your list.

I'm waiting for the CVR to open access to Leek station (the platform's there, trains have called, but there's no public access yet). There's a proper bus service from Stoke (well, Hanley) to Leek and the buses stop right by the station.

 

[Haywain]

I'm waiting for the CVR to open access to Leek station (the platform's there, trains have called, but there's no public access yet). There's a proper bus service from Stoke (well, Hanley) to Leek and the buses stop right by the station.

Yes, that will be a big improvement.

 

[peterfgf]

Statfold Barn is very good and not too far west. Barrow Roundhouse would be my favourite but its right up the north of Chesterfield.

 

[Forty29]

If you're in shunting engine's Peak Rail has a special operating day on August 23. It's a popular event. You'll miss a big event at MRC this weekend which is a shame involving lots of mainline locos.

 

[50002Superb]

Also, go walking the Monsal Trail from the old Bakewell train station.

I found that more enjoyable than the MRC

 

[railfan99]

Yes, a right sod to get to without a car.

To get to Chrunet Valley Railway on a recent hoiiday from Australia I caught a train from Crewe to Stoke on Trent,then from Hanley bus station a bus, and then about a two kilometre walk (or a bit less).

Alighting from the route bus I walked along a road with a factory along the way, but returning to the bus stop, I used the canal towpath that was pleasant.

CVR was worth visiting: well presented, not too short a line, reasonably priced tickets, a good cafe, pleasing patronage, pleasant scenery, an extension not too far off opening IIRC and very friendly and knowledgeable volunteers.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway was quite good: I had diesel haulage but didn't have time to visit Wirkswirth town. Easy to connect to and from trains at Duffield though access was by footbridge as the 'main line' and preserved railway are separated by a fairly high and sturdy fence, so unsuitable for anyone with mobility problems.

 

[cav1975]

Don’t forget to visit the Middleton Top winding engine on the High Peak Trail. A remarkable survivor of the Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Middleton Top Engine House 2025

www.steamheritage.co.uk

 

[tram21]

Maybe add Crich Tramway village to your list.

Strongly agree with this!! (As a volunteer there ).

Honestly a great place though!

 

[158760]

Churnet is a very scenic run. It does feel like two different railways from Froghall - Leekbrook and Leekbrook - Ipstones, and I guess in a sense it is! The 10:30 departure is diesel hauled on summer Saturdays, currently by the resident 33 (33102). I can’t speak for any of the other lines, as I’m not local to the area but really recommend Churnet. As others say you do have to drive, but with a family driving is probably easier anyway.

 

[Iskra]

Going on a week’s family holiday next month, staying near Ashbourne.

By my reckoning, there are 4 major heritage railways in striking distance:

• Churney Valley Railway
• Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
• Peak Rail
• Midland Railway Butterley

Now, I reckon I’ll get away with going to two of them at most. So the question is, which two do I choose?

I like steam but am more into diesel. Looking for a nice ride as well as plenty to see.

Any recommendations? Either “must see” or “don’t bother”.

Thanks.

Churnet Valley is the most spectacular steam railway in the country in terms of the locomotive working hard. It’s not to be missed in my opinion. They also have reasonably priced dining trains and the scenery is pretty nice.

After that I’d probably say that the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is the next best for the overall experience.

Midland Railway is quite good if you like wandering around coming across very random items of rolling stock. It also has some really good events.

Peak Rail is pleasant enough and runs into Matlock which is a nice tourist town, and offers connections to Matlock Bath. It was a bit pedestrian for my liking on my only visit, but I will try it again soon. It was nice to travel behind a Peak on Mk1’s on a line that they used to run on.

 

[xotGD]

The 10:30 departure is diesel hauled on summer Saturdays, currently by the resident 33 (33102).

That's useful to know. Thank you!

 

[D6130]

Churnet is a very scenic run. It does feel like two different railways from Froghall - Leekbrook and Leekbrook - Ipstones, and I guess in a sense it is! The 10:30 departure is diesel hauled on summer Saturdays, currently by the resident 33 (33102). I can’t speak for any of the other lines, as I’m not local to the area but really recommend Churnet. As others say you do have to drive, but with a family driving is probably easier anyway.

You don't necessarily have to drive to get to the Churnet Valley Railway. There's an hourly bus service from Hanley - with frequent connections from Stoke station - to Cheddleton, thence a very pleasant walk along the canal towpath to the station.

 

[Haywain]

There's an hourly bus service from Hanley - with frequent connections from Stoke station - to Cheddleton, thence a very pleasant walk along the canal towpath to the station.

It might be very pleasant but not everybody is able to walk that far (nearly a mile, going by Google Maps), and starting part way along the line makes a round trip more complicated.

 

[158760]

You don't necessarily have to drive to get to the Churnet Valley Railway. There's an hourly bus service from Hanley - with frequent connections from Stoke station - to Cheddleton, thence a very pleasant walk along the canal towpath to the station.

There certainly is, but I can’t say I’ve tried it. Public transport will be a much better option once Leek station has been built and services start running regularly on the three branches. As the OP is on a family holiday, it’s likely much more convenient to drive to Froghall than to bus and walk.

From what I have seen though the canals are very pretty, and make a nice walk if you have some spare time.

 

[D Mylchreest]

Crich is a particular favourite of mine, I really enjoy my visits. The Churnet is also very good with wonderful scenic views as it wends up the valley alongside the canal. The canal towpath also offers the photographer a lot of photo opportunities.
I'm not too impressed with the three Midland lines. They always seem to be very underdeveloped compared with the other two perhaps because they, being so close together, are using much the same pool of volunteers.