Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Steeple Grange Light Railway
See more on the Steeple Grange Light Railway which runs on a 18-inch gauge line near Wirksworth in Derbyshire
Many wildflowers were spread around the country with the help of Victorian railways as 
seeds were caught up in the rush of air caused by the train as it sped along the tracks. Oxford ragwort and buddlea sprang up as well many wildflowers that are seen along the tracks today.
Offsite Trails
A guide showing a series of nine circular walks, all along designated public rights of way, is available from the Discovery Centre
Standing as it does, virtually at the centre of Derbyshire, the ancient and venerable town of Wirksworth was the centre of the English lead mining industry when it was at its height. Lead was the basis of Wirksworth’s past prosperity and lead mining in the area goes back to at least Roman times. As lead mining declined, the limestone quarries provided work for people who lived in the area.
The arrival of the railway in Wirksworth in 1867, which linked the town with Derby and the rapidly expanding railway network beyond, opened the way for the easy distribution of limestone which was in great demand. The railway contributed to the local economy for over 100 years, transporting stone and agricultural products. It started carrying passengers on the 1st October 1867 and was used for passengers until 1947 and freight until 1989, when it closed. After that the railway was neglected and the line became overgrown.
A determined band of volunteers are in the process of restoring the line from Ravenstor (National Stone Centre) and Wirksworth to Duffield. The line to Ravenstor from Wirksworth Station runs up a near constant gradient of 1:30, and is known as the Incline Line and is used to access the National Stone Centre, the High Peak Trail, the Steeple Grange Light Railway and Black Rocks Picnic Area.
Trains operate from Wirksworth to the National Stone Centre's station at Ravenstor every Sunday throughout the year and at other times. In the other direction the line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to Duffield, where eventually an interchange will be made with main line services.
Find out more information on the restoration of this railway (plus timetables) on the web site for the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (www.e-v-r.com).