Steeple Grange Light Railway
The Steeple Grange Light Railway is a narrow gauge line near Wirksworth in Derbyshire. It is steeply graded and runs through some dramatic limestone scenery, using the routes of two branches from the former Cromford and High Peak Railway.
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The Steeple Grange Light Railway is a narrow gauge line near Wirksworth in Derbyshire. It is steeply graded and runs through some dramatic limestone scenery, using the routes of two branches from the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. Our engines are ex-industrial diesel, battery-electric and petrol locomotives, and passengers are carried in former National Coal Board manriders. For more details and times of operation see our website www.steeplegrange.co.uk
When you visit the railway you’ll have two train rides; hear about why and how the railway was built, and our plans for the future; investigate some of our vintage locomotives and rolling stock; discover fossils and wild flowers; and see work under way on our extensions towards Middleton and the National Stone Centre.
Originally built in 1884 for a quarry company owned by the Killer brothers, the line inevitably became known as the Killers’ branch. Despite this macabre name, no-one has been murdered on the railway. The original line closed in 1967; one of the last bits of the Cromford and High Peak railway still in operation. The Steeple Grange Light Railway came into existence in 1985 and the line is gradually being extended back towards Middleton.
Our most famous engine is “Horwich”, a little diesel named after the BR locomotive works in Horwich, Lancashire, where it originally worked. After a spell at Gloddfa Ganol museum, Blaenau Ffestiniog, “Horwich” came to the SGLR in 1997. Now fully restored and resplendent in a lined green livery, this locomotive is a regular performer on our passenger trains, making light work of the 1:27 gradient.
Finding the SGLR
The SGLR is situated adjacent to the High Peak Trail between Black Rocks and the National Stone Centre, near Wirksworth. There’s pay and display parking at these two locations, which are about five minute’s easy walk from the railway. There are brown/white signs to the railway from the Wirksworth and Carsington areas. Additional signs are put out on operating days. If you are using SatNav, our postcode is DE4 4LS. You’ll find us on Old Porter Lane, where parking is free!
Daily buses from Derby, Bakewell and Matlock stop near our site. For details go to the Derbyshire Public Transport website: www.derbysbus.net
The nearest railway station is at Cromford, but the station at Matlock Bath gives easier connections to the bus service. Both these stations have daily train services from Nottingham and Derby.
