Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is a 9-mile standard-gauge heritage railway in Derbyshire, running through the Ecclesbourne valley between Wirksworth (the headquarters) and Duffield (with cross-platform interchange to East Midlands Railway services on the Derwent Valley Line from Derby to Matlock). The line is the entire former Midland Railway Wirksworth branch, opened in 1867.
The Wirksworth Industrial Museum Trust acquired the line in 2001 from Network Rail. The line was unusual in surviving as far as 2001 as a freight stub serving the limestone quarries above Wirksworth. The Trust's first preserved trains ran in 2004, with full opening through to Duffield achieved in 2011, providing rare cross-platform interchange to a national network station.
History
The line was operated until 2001 as a freight branch serving the limestone quarries north of Wirksworth. After Network Rail decided to abandon the line, the Wirksworth Industrial Museum Trust acquired it in 2001. The first preserved trains ran from Wirksworth to Idridgehay in 2004, with the full extension to Duffield completed in 2011.
Original line history
The Wirksworth branch was opened in 1867 by the Midland Railway to serve the quarrying and lead-mining interests of Wirksworth. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1947, but freight (limestone) continued until 2001, making it one of the longest-surviving Midland branches.
Stations and infrastructure
Wirksworth is the northern terminus and headquarters, with engine shed and works. Duffield has cross-platform interchange with East Midlands Railway. Shottle and Idridgehay are intermediate stops.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Events include diesel galas, 1940s weekends, beer festivals, and Santa Specials. The cross-platform connection at Duffield to Derby allows for through-ticket combinations.
Visitor information
Duffield is on the East Midlands Railway Derwent Valley Line from Derby. Wirksworth is signposted from the A6.