Peak Rail PLC

 

I thought when I read about the Peak Rail railway that it would be just another short line with J94 tanks like a good portion of the heritage railways have become. When I arrived at Rowsley South I was surprised by what I found. This is not an original station, well only one of the stations on this line is and that is closed under restoration. But Rowsley South is quite an interesting sight as the whole thing has been built by the Peak Rail team. Wandering around the yard is an education in utilising the recourses at your disposal.

 

I got on the train and found these Mk 2 carriages had been restored on the inside.  Carriages are an important part of this railway’s set up, as this is the home of the LMS Carriage Association and their large fleet and workshops. They do great work and the results are stunning.

I got on the train expecting to be jolted all the way to Matlock but I didn’t even feel it move off, this was the smoothest train ride I have ever had, a combination of an excellent P-Way, well maintained carriages, good driving and a good loco. 

 

So a great train ride through excellent scenery, what else had Peak Rail got to offer? Well firstly, there is a great café and tea room, and while on the subject it has a fantastic on train buffet which is run with skill and proficiency. The staff here are jolly and friendly and I had the pleasure of meeting a variety of members and volunteers from across the railway’s different departments.

 

As well as good gift shops at either end (the Matlock bookshop is excellent, located in the mainline rail station rather than the Peak Rail station only a short walk away) there is the Derbyshire Dales Narrow Gauge Railway which runs to the back of the engine sheds from the northern head shunt in the confines of Rowsley South station compound.  Parts of the yard are also open to the public and you will be able to see some of the LMS coaches they have, the Vintage Shunters Trust’s collection which is also based on site and of course the mainline rolling stock for the railway, which if you are lucky, will include the newly restored 8F 8624 beautifully displayed in LMS Maroon.  At the time of writing this is one of the railway’s two working steam engines. Others are scattered around the yard but are non operational. The Peak Rail set up is good and the ride and dining cars are worth their weight in gold. 

 

GHGF 2009