A trip through the Upper Eden
Just off the A66 near the village of Warcop your journey back in time begins. Relax on board a traditional British-built train from the 1960s, the heyday of the then British Railways odernisation Plan. Your train will either be a Class 205 “Thumper”, powered from a 600hp English Electric diesel, or our unique twin Battery powered Motor Luggage Vans hauling a Kent Coast Express 4 car set (4CEP). The journey starts from the original 1862 Warcop platform and then proceeds north–westwards through rolling countryside which offers utstanding views over the North Pennines to the north whilst to the south are views over the wide Eden Valley to the distant hills of the Lake District with Blencathra being prominent. The journey is being extended towards Appleby but at the moment ends a few miles short. Look out for special events and updates as advertised locally and on our web site or Facebook
History
The Eden Valley Railway opened in 1862 linking Penrith and West Cumbria with the North East. The line was primarily a mineral line although passenger services ran for a century until the line closed as a through route in 1962. Regular traffic persisted to Warcop until the last MoD train ran in 1988.
Preservation
The charitable trust was formed in 1996 to preserve the line and operate as a heritage railway. This has gradually extended west from Warcop along the extant railway towards Appleby.
Volunteers Wanted
Want to support us further? Then why not join as a member today and become part of this exciting project. If you can spare one Sunday per month, or more, then join us as a volunteer. We welcome a range of volunteers with both railway and non-railway skills, relevant to the whole of our visitor experience. Interested? Then speak to one of the volunteers, ring us, or private message us on Facebook.
Facilities
- Unlimited Travel (Hourly Service)
- Toilets, including Disabled
- Off Road Parking (all weather surface)
- Wheelchair-friendly access
- Light Refreshments
- Model Railway Displays
- Working Signal Box
- Exhibition of railway’s history and restoration
- Friendly Staff
- Browse in the Emporium with its wide range of new and second-hand items to buy
