MAKE tracks to Thorpe Light Railway on Saturday, September 16, for an informative look behind the scenes.
Visitors will be able to learn about the history of the miniature railway and hear about the work and future plans of the Friends to restore and operate it.
Travelling by train, visitors will be able to get out at locations where the train doesn’t normally stop, to find out more about the building of the railway, the wildlife along the tracks and enjoy a close-up look at the locomotives and engine shed.
Tours will last about half an hour and will leave the station at approximately 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, subject to demand.
There will also be information boards including photographs, which show the three stages of the railway; its original incarnation as the Whorlton Lido Railway, through a period of hibernation and then its restoration and reopening as the Thorpe Light Railway.
The railway is on the south side of the River Tees, three miles from Barnard Castle. Please note that the Whorlton suspension bridge is currently closed to all traffic. Access is via the A66 or along the signed diversion route via Winston Bridge and Ovington.
No booking is required. There is plenty of on-site parking on grass and limited parking in the roadside layby.
Disabled visitors can park close to the station and enjoy the talks and displays and watching the trains but there is no wheelchair-accessible carriage on the train. Pushchairs / prams / bicycles can be left at the station if you have a train ride.
Rail tours limited to 20 passengers per tour and last about 30 minutes.
n thorpelightrailway.co.uk.
