Kirklees Light Railway
The Kirklees Light Railway is a 15 in gauge miniature railway in West Yorkshire, running 3.5 miles between Clayton West and Shelley on the trackbed of the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Clayton West branch, the last colliery branch in the area to lose its passenger service.
Although classified as a miniature railway, the line operates with substantial 15 in gauge steam locomotives modelled on full-size narrow-gauge prototypes, and includes the impressive Shelley Woodhouse Tunnel, 511 yards long, which the line inherits from its standard-gauge predecessor, one of the longest tunnels on any miniature railway in the world.
History
The line was constructed in 1990–91 by Brian Taylor and family on the trackbed of the L&Y branch closed in 1983. The railway opened in 1991, since when it has steadily expanded its locomotive fleet and station infrastructure. The construction used the original alignment, including the Shelley Woodhouse Tunnel, a substantial inheritance for a miniature line.
Original line history
The Clayton West branch was opened by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway in 1879, primarily to serve local collieries. Later operated by the LMS and BR, it lost regular passenger services in 1983, making it the very last colliery branch in West Yorkshire to do so. Closure followed shortly afterward.
Stations and infrastructure
Clayton West is the headquarters, with workshops and visitor facilities including a model railway museum. Shelley is the western terminus reached via the long Shelley Woodhouse Tunnel. Two intermediate halts at Cuckoo's Nest and Skelmanthorpe serve walkers.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
The railway runs an extensive year-round timetable with steam galas, ghost trains, dining trains and Santa Specials. The tunnel passage is a popular attraction in itself.
Visitor information
Clayton West is signposted from junction 38 of the M1 via the A636 and A637. The site has free parking, a café and a play area.