Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

The Worth Valley Railway may only be five miles long but they pack a great deal of interest in that five miles and a rarity in being a complete original junction to terminus branch line railway. If you found the Ingrow Museum interesting it would be worth splashing out on the lastest book, Bahamas, A Story of Locomotive. It’s more than that, an insight into the dogged determination of the original preservationists who gave us the railways and locomotive we enjoy now.

 

Already splashed

 

It's a great railway, as it can't go any further they are able to concentrate on improving and maintaining what they have to a good standard.

 

It is greatly to the credit of the Worth Valley that it hardly ever seems to provoke negative comments - neither on this forum nor indeed among enthusiasts in general. It has been in operation for over fifty years and never, to my knowledge, has seen the bust-ups and bad blood which have unfortunately affected some other lines. While some of us will own up to another line being their personal favourite, my guess is that the K&WVR will still sit pretty high up in most enthusiasts' lists of top lines. I certainly have thoroughly enjoyed my every visit; my only gripe is that it is such a long way away - about 250 miles from my home!

 

Just read on the railway’s Instagram page that 78022 and 75078 are to be gifted to the railway

 

It was mentioned in the steam gala booklet.

 

Apparently it was; good to share here though as many won’t have been at the gala

 

Lovely trip on the line today.

 

Progress on 5775's overhaul after £200,000 donation.

https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news...IoulzRz2nLbEsd99Le_aem_lEz80vYApQEexQoDrBQz-A

Also 47279 moved to Haworth for assessment for a return to service. Its place in the exhibition hall at Oxenhope has been taken by no. 85.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Doj7gLXv8/

 

Speaking of locos under overhaul, do we know what the plan for msc 31 is once completed? Will it play a similar role to Nunlow previously or is it a contract overhaul for a private owner who may then decide to move it on?

 

I see that the report that The Royal Oak has been taken over by the railway is correct and will be opening on Thursday 30th April with discounts for members and local residents card holders.

 

.

 

A cracking bit of news is that.

 

https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co...ar-village-pub-haworth-will-reopen-new-owner/

 

I went to my local preserved railway, the KWVR on Saturday 18th July.
41241 was adorned with a wreath for the sudden passing of one of the Damens station staff earlier in the week.
Working the services were 78022, with 41241 T'n'T with D9520. 75078 was in steam in Haworth yard having a steam test after boiler washout, also 47715 failed earlier in the morning, so was unable to work the first diesel hauled service, which 78022 took on.
75078 under the arches at Haworth shed


78022 approaching Oakworth



41241 at Oxenhope



If you liked these photos there are more and a Phone cam video of 78022 climbing the hill out of Keighley here
https://railway-photography.smugmug...y-2026/KWVR-Saturday-18th-July-2026/i-ph38j4p

Neil

 

I can report that the Royal Oak is serving some excellent ales. The member’s discount is most welcome. I note that the discount is also available to KWVR ticket holders.