On Friday 9th, my wife Sarah and I had the pleasure of spending the day with our grandson, Jaxson.
With the weather forecast predicting a sunny and hot day, Sarah suggested we venture out to find a cool and shaded spot rather than staying home.
After considering various options, I recalled a place we had stumbled upon years ago—Rudyard Lake in North Staffordshire.
To our delight, this picturesque location also boasted a miniature railway running alongside it, making it an ideal destination for Jaxson and me.
We arrived at Rudyard Station just a few minutes past 11 in the morning, narrowly missing the day's first train.
However, we took advantage of the newly built Platform 2 Café while we waited. The café, adorned with railway memorabilia such as old posters, nameplates, and loco number plates, offered a delightful ambience.
We sat on the platform, surrounded by the rich history of railways, enjoying the delicious sandwiches, rolls, cakes, and hot and cold drinks available on the menu. I made a mental note to return soon and try the promised Staffordshire Oatcakes.
Although it was a non-steam day during our visit, we were still excited to embark on our railway adventure. The ticket office opened at 11:40 for the noon departure, and we opted for a day ticket, which allowed us to ride on all trains for the day. The round trip on the line costs £5.50 for adults and £3 for children, making it an affordable outing for the whole family.
Our locomotive for the day was the ex-Isle of Mull diesel ‘Frances.' This remarkable Bo-Bo diesel locomotive was originally constructed for the former Mull Railway, equipped with a Perkins diesel engine and hydraulic motors.
After the railway's closure in 2011, Frances underwent an overhaul by David Vere and found its new home at Rudyard Lake, ready to delight visitors like us.
We began our adventure with a round trip along the 1.5-mile line to Hunthouse Wood and back. The shaded ride along the bank of the lake offered breathtaking views, following the route and track bed of the old North Staffordshire Railway.
This historic line, which opened in 1850, significantly brought tourists to Rudyard Lake, once known as the ‘Blackpool of the Potteries.' As we journeyed, I couldn't help but imagine the bustling crowds of the past. Captain Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel, held a grand ‘Aquatic Fete' at the lake, attracting thousands of visitors back in 1877.
Rudyard Lake is a man-made reservoir constructed in 1799 to supply the Caldon Canal. With its impressive size—around 2 miles long and 0.25 miles wide—and its picturesque setting in a steep wooded valley, the lake remains a popular tourist destination.
Managed by the Canal and Rivers Trust, it offers various recreational activities, including walking, sailing, canoeing, and fishing. We took a moment to visit the visitor centre and café near the dam, adding a tranquil pause to our busy day.
As we continued our exploration, I discovered the rich history of the miniature railway at Rudyard. The first railway, built in 1976, ran from the station car park to the Dam's head.
Although it ceased operations in 1978, it found a new home in Trago Mills, Cornwall, where it still operates today. The current 10.25-inch gauge railway, dating back to 1985, was the work of Peter Hanton, who tirelessly built it over eight years. In 2000, he passed the baton to Rudyard Lake Steam Railway Ltd, ensuring that this charming railway would continue to captivate visitors.
After our initial ride, we returned to Rudyard Station, where I enjoyed chatting with Matt Self, the railway's general manager. Matt, along with three other staff members and a dedicated team of volunteers, ensures the smooth operation of the railway. He showed me around the bustling engine shed, where I could marvel at the rest of the railways' locomotives.
Among the collection were five steam locomotives, each with its unique history. Victoria, a 2-6-2T built by Mouse Boiler Works in 1993, paid tribute to the Victorian Railways NA class. No. 8 King Arthur, a 0-6-2T built by Exmoor Steam Railway in 2005, carried on the legacy of its legendary namesake.
No. 7 Merlin, another Exmoor Steam Railway creation from 1998, showcased its 2-4-2T design. Excalibur, known initially as River Churnet, underwent a rebuild in 2003 and proved its versatility by transitioning from a 12 1/4-inch gauge to the current 10.25-inch gauge. Lastly, Waverley, a 4-4-2 David Curwen built loco from 1948, found a new home at Rudyard Lake after serving the Isle of Mull Railway.
In addition to the steam locomotives, the railway boasted three non-steam locomotives. Mordred, affectionately known as Ferret, featured a unique 4-wheel petrol engine. Rudyard Lady, a Bo-Bo type diesel-engine locomotive, showcased the ingenuity of local engineer Mr L.A. Smith from Leek.
Lastly, Glen Auldyn, a Bo-Bo diesel locomotive built by Bob Davies in 1986, previously operated at the Isle of Mull Railway. Each locomotive had its distinct character, contributing to the rich tapestry of Rudyard Lake Railway.
Our day continued with another ride behind ‘Frances,' taking us to the end of the line at Hunthouse Wood. We disembarked from the train to explore the lakeside footpath, offering a tranquil walk back to Rudyard Station. Before we set off, I had the opportunity to chat with Ash, our guard, who had been a dedicated staff member at the railway for 16 years. Likewise, our driver, Alan Bentley, had volunteered for 12 years.
Alan previously worked at the Alton Towers model railway that was built by his father in 1957; the model was only intended to be a temporary exhibit but remained at the theme park until its closure in 1992. Chatting with Alan evoked fond childhood memories and brought back a wave of nostalgia.
As our day at Rudyard Lake Railway came to a close, we strolled back to Rudyard Station, cherishing the memories we had created. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to explore this hidden gem with my family.
If you're a railway enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day out, check out the upcoming events at the Leek and Rudyard Railway. A steam gala awaits on the 16th and 17th of September, followed by Halloween Specials in late October and the much-anticipated Santa Specials in December. The railway's website provides a complete program of events, ensuring there's always something exciting happening for all ages.
Rudyard Lake Railway offers more than just a train ride—it invites you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of railways while enjoying the serene beauty of Rudyard Lake. Make a date with this charming destination and create your memorable journey.
