Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

R ail & R amble in H istoric D erbyshire

NEW TOUR

Introducing Railtrail’s newest tour in scenic Derbyshire. Using our “on the ground” knowledge, enjoy this five-day, small group, gentle walking tour through the industrial past of the beautiful and historic Peak District of Derbyshire. Old incline planes, canals, historic mills, steam trains, and a narrow-gauge railway await on this exciting tour.

DAY 1 For those booking rail travel with us, we arrive at Belper and transfer to our hotel for four nights, The Lion Hotel, which is situated close to the station. Evening meals are included every night. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast today, we will travel by rail to Ambergate for a leisurely 5-mile walk along the historic Cromford Canal , calling in at the workshop and museum of the Cromford and High Peak Railway before arriving at Cromford Wharf. Here we will enjoy an included buffet lunch before our guided tour of Arkwright’s Mill , the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill dating back to the 1800’s. We return by rail from Cromford to Belper. (B, L, D) DAY 3 Today we will take a scenic train ride to Matlock and experience the beauty of Peak Rail as we travel for four miles to Rowsley South . From there, we will enjoy a peaceful one-mile stroll to the charming Grouse & Claret pub in Rowsley village. On return to Matlock, take some time to explore the town and then embark TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Stroll along The Cromford Canal ★ Visit Arkwright’s Cromford Mill, the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill ★ Enjoy refreshments at the Grouse & Claret pub ★ Walk the inclines of the High Peak Railway ★ Discover an incline winding engine ★ Marvel at beautiful views ★ Ride behind steam over the Ecclesbourne Valley line ★ Stay at a friendly, cosy hotel in picturesque Belper Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening plus 2 lunches ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £850

5 DAYS

River Derwent

© iStock

on a two-mile walk along the picturesque River Derwent to High Tor , where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. We end the day by returning to Belper from Matlock Bath station for our evening meal together. (B, D) DAY 4 We enjoy a leisurely morning to explore the picturesque town of Belper before taking the train to Duffield for a ride behind steam over the Ecclesbourne Valley line to Wirksworth . Here we walk through the historic town, past the immense Middle Peak Quarry, up to the High Peak Trail following the route of the Cromford & High Peak Railway. Built in the 1830’s to transport limestone via horse-drawn level sections, there are a number of rope worked inclines on our way down to the Cromford Canal. We stop at Middleton Top Engine House to see the amazing incline beam engines in operation before taking a light lunch at a nearby pub. Continuing our walk, we descend the incline to the narrow-gauge Steeple Grange Railway for a ride over a former quarry branch line, after which, our walk then passes another winding house and down Sheep Pasture Incline. Spectacular views over the surrounding countryside are offered here before we turn into Cromford for the train back to Belper. We will complete an exhilarating total of five miles walking today. (B, L, D) DAY 5 Following breakfast, we will depart for trains to your home station. (B) *We reserve the right to travel by heritage diesel train should the steam locomotive not be available/timetabled at the time of our visit.

DEPARTS

Thursday 30 May 2024

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £1109 £1125 £1175 £1205 £1129 £1029 £979 £939 £1085 £929 £1275 £1009 £1169

STANDARD

£965 £979 £1015 £1029 £999 £935 £899 £899 £975 £899 £985 £915 £1025 £850

Scotland

Join & Leave at Hotel

Single Room Supplement £265 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 2 lunches Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail travel, with transfers as described All excursions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

© iStock © Shutterstock

HOTEL

Lion Hotel, Belper A charming, characteristic, and popular hotel situated just 200 yards from the station.This historic 18th century building features a luxurious and quirky interior, and the 22 tastefully decorated rooms include an en suite with a bath and shower,TV, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries.

Middleton Top Engine House

Cromford Canal

© iStock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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