3 minute read
The Peaks Express
Sunday 25th September 2022
Join this special steam hauled train for a grand circular tour through the spectacular scenery of the Peak District and the Hope Valley line. We also traverse some sections of track that do not see regular steam hauled passenger trains around Sheffield and the East Midlands. There will also be the option to alight at Chesterfield for an afternoon break.
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Our train leaves Preston steam hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. We head south up the West Coast Main Line to Wigan North Western, where we stop for more passengers. We then travel onwards via Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly and a further stop is made to pick up passengers. We now head for Stockport and run through Hazel Grove and head for Chinley via Disley Tunnel. At Chinley, we will be climbing hard as we join the former Midland Railway’s ‘Hope Valley’ line to Sheffield. We pass through Hathersage, a charming village associated with Robin Hood and the Eyre family of Bronte fame. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses a number of long tunnels, including the passage through the 3½ mile-long Totley Tunnel, first opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield, where there is a brief stop. On leaving Sheffield we head northwards to Nunnery Main Line Junction, where we then join the former Great Central line through to Beighton Junction. We now head south along the freight line past Barrow Hill and join the main line from Sheffield at Tapton Junction. We pause to set down at Chesterfield for those passengers who may wish to visit this interesting market town, particularly noted for its crooked spire church. Our journey continues along the former Midland Railway’s main line to London St. Pancras as we pass through Alfreton and Ilkeston within the Erewash Valley. Train spotters will be delighted as we pass through Toton Yards with its locomotive depot and extensive sidings. At Trent Junction, we leave the London line and head westwards through Long Eaton and head for Derby. Again, there is a large railway presence on both sides of the line on the approach to Derby, a major railway town with a works and research facilities. Our circuitous route now takes us northwards away from Derby as we follow the Derwent Valley through Belper to Chesterfield where we pause to pick up passengers who alighted here earlier. After the steep climb at 1 in 100 up to Dronfield, we leave the Sheffield line at Dore and take the scenic Hope Valley route once again back to Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport. We call to set down at Bolton, Wigan North Western and finally at our journeys end at Preston. A wonderful way to spend an autumn Sunday on this varied and unusual tour from the north west. Approximate Timings Outward Return Preston 10:45 20:45 Wigan North Western 11:10 20:15 Manchester Piccadilly 11:50 19:15 Chesterfield 14:50 17:00 Derby 15:45 15:55
There are three classes available:
Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and four course dinner served at your seat. First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam. Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £30 per person (subject to availability). A buffet car is available and serves tea, coffee, snacks and light refreshments.
