The branch annual fixture list always includes a visit to a heritage railway, and this year’s choice was Peak Rail in Derbyshire. It was the original intention of the branch to visit the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and we then wondered whether we could combine the two preservation lines. This proved to be impractical and the consensus was to visit Peak Rail.
A fateful combination of health issues, fixture clashes and the fact that the visit was scheduled on the hottest day of the year meant that the attendance list was whittled down to three brave, and probably foolhardy, souls.
Two travelled south from the Liverpool area, and one north from Malvern. We met at Derby in order to continue the leg to Matlock together. At Derby we enjoyed the bonus and good omen of 69006 hauling 7M18 Doncaster to Toton.
The line up to Matlock is very scenic and enjoyable, especially in an air-conditioned class 158 unit!
At Matlock we had the biggest surprise of the day, as we were greeted by steam in the form of the immaculately turned out 0-6-0 S102 “Cathryn”. This was completely unexpected in view of the risk of lineside fires, but in the event it ran all day without incident.
We spent 2 or 3 hours at Rowsley admiring the heritage stock on view (not quite all of it, as one shed was shut and the person responsible was not around), but plenty to keep us busy! Photos will follow on the branch site in due course.
We noted for the future that the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and the Crich Tramway are in the vicinity.
All told, an interesting and varied trip which we were glad to have gone ahead with!
