Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway
The Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (SKLR) is a 2 ft 6 in narrow-gauge heritage railway in Kent, running 2 miles between Sittingbourne Viaduct and Kemsley Down on the former Bowater's Paper Mill industrial system. It is one of the largest 2 ft 6 in gauge railways in Britain, and one of the few remaining UK heritage lines with a strong industrial railway character.
The line includes a long viaduct over the Milton Creek marshland, retains industrial sidings and a working marshalling yard, and ends at Kemsley Down where the original engine shed and locomotive collection are housed.
History
The Bowater's industrial railway operated from 1906 to carry pulp, paper and finished product around the company's Sittingbourne paper-making complex. After Bowater's ceased rail operation in 1969, the railway was preserved in situ by the Locomotive Club of Great Britain, with continuous operation as a heritage railway since.
Original line history
Bowater's Sittingbourne Mills opened in 1906, and the 2 ft 6 in gauge railway was built to link the various mill sites and connect them to docks at Ridham. At its peak the system was busy enough to require steam working, and many of the locomotives were specifically built for the line.
Stations and infrastructure
Sittingbourne Viaduct is the southern terminus, accessed from the National Rail station. The long viaduct over Milton Creek is a striking feature. Kemsley Down houses the locomotive shed, museum and workshops.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Steam galas, "Driver for a Day" experiences and Santa Specials are run on advertised days. The line is a notable destination for industrial railway enthusiasts.
Visitor information
Sittingbourne Viaduct station is a few minutes' walk from Sittingbourne National Rail station (Southeastern). Kemsley Down is reached by riding the train, there is no public road access to the northern terminus.