Most interesting short heritage line.

I'd also add, the cafe at Haverthwaite is absolutely excellent- they lead (and have done for 7 years or so) our Heritage Railway Scone leaderboard.

Chris

 

I am surprised that the Dean Forest Railway hasn't been mentioned yet. Lovely line, staffed by some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere. Honourable mention to the Tanfield Railway, too. I could happily lose a day out at either.

 

Whilst not quite an independent line, the Mountsorrel Branch is a delightful 1.2 mile run from the GCR at Swithland to Nunckley Hill and Mountsorrel. The Heritage Centre at Nunckley Hill has many fascinating attractions and its own narrow gauge railway. The Stephenson Lift Bridge is now operational.

 

Delightful indeed. I enjoyed the branch for the first time just 9 days ago. Bagged a front seat in the DMU.

Starting from Loughborough Central, it's really quite a substantial seeming journey up to Mountsorrel and back down to Rothley at 1 hour approximately.

 

Every heritage railway has its own features. I am biased to the Dean Forest, there's definitely improvements to be made, but it has come a long way. Parkend is one of the best preserved stations on any heritage railway.

 

I should really give a shout out to the guys at Blaenavon. It has extended, but still falls into the short category at a couple of miles. That 2 miles though is mainly on a ferocious gradient and runs through a starkly beautiful, post industrial, landscape that is gradually being reclaimed by nature, to the UK's highest standard gauge station.
A visit on a gala day is jammed packed full of loco movements, with the Branchline to Big Pit in operation and passing trains on the 'mainline'. All set against a backdrop of loco thrash up the gradient.
Should further extensions happen this railway will definitely become premier league, but it is well worth a visit now and is great fun.

 

Agree, Blaenavon is probably as good as value per mile gets and is continually improving. Now they have their carriage shed built too, the carriages are excellent there and should be for the long term.

 

I don't think it needs it and I'm pretty sure the railway would have looked at this when accepting the compensation payout from the M6 toll bulldozing through the original formation. Instead they invested wisely in shed and maintenance space as well as proper station facilities at both Brownhills and Chasewater Heaths. The MGR fleet is a massive USP for the railway - there hasn't been a coal train day this year as yet but they put on really innovative and intense timetables when they are able to put one on. Plus fantastic value for money as well