If you have Google Earth, open this in it and it will show you the full route and various photos of the places along it. All taken a few years ago now. http://barryknapper/CVRF/Stokeextension.kml
Yes. Some years ago now.Hasn't the line from Ipstones to Cauldon Low been lifted?
...I came by public transport: I can’t see an extension to Leek helping those of us coming via public transport though; you just stay on the bus a bit longer? Thanks.
Thank you. Sounds better. Cheddleton is a nice roll down the hill. And a hard slog back up it at the end of the day!You'll be able to get the Number 18 buses to Leek, which don't pass through Cheddleton, as well as the Number 16 which does. Also, I believe Leek station will be right by the bus stop, is that the case in Cheddleton?
Hence I said reopen...Hasn't the line from Ipstones to Cauldon Low been lifted?
More buses arrive into Leek, than pass Cheddleton & Froghall. And the service is more frequent also.I attended the 1940’s event this year and thought it was superb. The battle on the platform, allies vs axis-powers, was brilliant and the Home Guard characters pulled off impressive Dad’s Army humour of the first order. I came by public transport: I can’t see an extension to Leek helping those of us coming via public transport though; you just stay on the bus a bit longer? Thanks.
Why not walk along the canal from opposite the Flint Mill? Saves the legs from a difficult climb...Thank you. Sounds better. Cheddleton is a nice roll down the hill. And a hard slog back up it at the end of the day!
I don’t think so. Very much a long term restoration I think.
According to their website it’s next in line after 47524 but I don’t know how up to date that is?
"awaiting overhaul", according to the Churnet Valley Railway
Yes it was scrapped a couple of months ago, but it wasn’t scrapped when I made that post 18 months ago!Hasn't 47524 been scrapped?
That made me chuckle Rob.Good point. I will get my eyes tested......
It's bad, but not as bad as it could be. Stobart Rail take possession of the line on Thursday, and should have the repairs completed well ahead of our Santa Specials.Very disappointing news that the CVR had to cancel its S160 event yesterday due to flooding. I hope any damage caused on the line isn't as bad as some of the photos I have seen make it look and that the railway doesn't have to divert its efforts (both in manpower and finances) to make good any damage caused by the floods.
It really is full steam ahead!' – Railway could return to town after £1.4m grant
The European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development awarded the funds to the Heritage Railway Infrastructure project
Leek could soon be welcoming the railway back into the town after Churnet Valley Railway was awarded a grant of more than £1.4 million.
The European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development has awarded £1,427,906.83 for the Heritage Railway Infrastructure project to reconnect Leek to the rail network.
The funding will cover 80 per cent of the cost of construction of just under one-mile of railway line and associated infrastructure from the present railhead to a new station off Barnfields Road; protecting the underground utilities; and providing a new footpath alongside the railway track.
It will also reconnect the former railway triangle at Leekbrook Junction, creating the first original operational triangle offering three different destinations in UK Preservation.
Anthony Hancock, chairman of the not-for-profit heritage railway, said: “Re-instating the line to Leek has been the ambition of so many people for many years and thanks to support from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and its leader, the dedicated effort from CVR volunteers and this fantastic funding award, this ambition is going to be fully realised. It really is full steam ahead now!”
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has been supporting the Churnet Valley Railway for a number of years in recognition of the important contribution the heritage railway makes to the wider visitor economy as well as enabling local residents to experience and enjoy their local heritage.
Councillor Sybil Ralphs, leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: “This is a real vote of confidence in the potential of the visitor economy – and an acknowledgement that attractions such as this heritage railway can both encourage tourists to come to the Moorlands and then to stay longer”
The extension to Leek is just part of a wider proposals to extend the line – eventually passengers will be able to board the train at Oakamoor and travel directly to Leek, via all stations in-between, enabling people to enjoy the countryside without the need to take their car every time.
The announcement comes just as the Churnet Valley Railway is gearing up for the main operating season of 2020. This April sees the Border Explorer take to the rails, allowing visitors to travel every inch of the current serviceable rail network under the control of the CVR.
Mr Hancock added: “We also need to raise the final 20 per cent ourselves so we hope to welcome as many visitors as possible in 2020.”
Last week, the Moorlands Partnership Board, which is part of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, approved a grant of £12,791 towards the project. The grant will allow more work on the trackbed to the amount of more than £25,000.
A grant of £19,000 was offered last March 2019 towards the cost of reinstating the track on operational land.
Members were asked to approve a further grant offer from the MPB against the cost of restoring a further section of the track bed at a cost of £25,180. The applicant has requested a grant of £12,560 plus VAT to cover the costs of the contractor.
Councillor Mike Bowen said: “This is a big move to get the railway back into Leek. It could then be looked at to get the line to Stoke. This would take a massive amount of traffic off the roads. I support that this grant goes ahead as it is important to the project.”
Councillor Hilda Sheldon, who is also the chairman of the Moorlands Partnership Board, said: “This project opens up huge tourism opportunities for the Staffordshire Moorlands. It is a very important project.”
More news on the extension to Leek
It will also reconnect the former railway triangle at Leekbrook Junction, creating the first original operational triangle offering three different destinations in UK Preservation.
Are you thinking Northern Ireland..?Completely incorrect
Are you thinking Northern Ireland..?
Lovely. To my shame I haven’t visited it despite it being less than an hour from my mother in law’s house.I most certainly am Mr @Cowley (sounds like an episode of The Professionals)
The Downpatrick And Co Down Railway clearly holds the title of "the first original operational triangle offering three different destinations in UK Preservation"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downpatrick_and_County_Down_Railway
Downpatrick is also 'standard gauge', just Irish standard.So it seems the Churnet Valley Rly. will need to insert "standard gauge" into that claim then!
Bodmin is a 'Y'. The south end of the West Somerset has a turning triangle.Is Bodmin a triangle?
Or just 2 legs?
It's one of those spurious claims in order to create 'uniqueness'. Like the wettest day (since the last time it was "the wettest day since"). I guess most people, even on this forum, aren't all that bothered. If you bag track you'll want to yellow felt-tip it whether it is 'original' or 'brand new', standard gauge (GB) or narrow. If you like railways you'll be pleased to see one expanding and might go for a ride, triangle or not.So it seems the Churnet Valley Rly. will need to insert "standard gauge" into that claim then!
The West Somerset being a modern creation, hence their careful insertion of the word 'original'. However, as posted by others, although a rarity, it is not as unique as they think!Bodmin is a 'Y'. The south end of the West Somerset has a turning triangle.
Thank You!Just sent my small contribution to what I would consider a very worthy project!