A Northumberland heritage railway is kicking off a programme of events to celebrate its 10th anniversary this Easter weekend.
Since opening to the public in 2012, a small team of volunteers has built, restored and 'lovingly' created the Aln Valley Railway, a heritage railway with the eventual aim of connecting Alnmouth Station and link to the East Coast mainline. And with the recent completion of the new halt at Greenrigg, the railway is roughly halfway to Alnmouth Station, following the old Alnwick branch line, which has extensive views across the countryside and crosses Cawledge Viaduct.
Over the last decade, the railway has continued to grow, expand its facilities, membership and visitor numbers. Its popularity has increased so much that Michael Portillo was inspired to visit for his recent TV documentary Great Coastal Railway Journeys, where the former MP explored much of Northumberland's railway network, including the Tyne Valley Line and the Metro.
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And both those who are looking for a unique and fun day out this Easter, and those who had their interested piqued by the BBC documentary, will be able to get a closer look at the railway from this weekend. The first event of the new season is the Easter Weekend of steam and fun, with steam train rides in vintage carriages running from Lionheart Station to Greenrigg Halt and back on April 16, 17 and 18.
Gemma Maughan, Aln Valley Railway Trustee, said: "We are excited to have been able to make some new additions to the Aln Valley Railway experience for the 2022 season, including the GLMR Go Loco Miniature Railway - this, along with an Easter trail, will provide extra fun and fascination for families over the Easter weekend!"
The recent completion of Greenrigg Halt means that people can alight to watch the train turn ahead of its return journeys. However, visitors can take the scenic footpath back to Lionheart Station, where they can admire the views from the top of the Cawledge Viaduct and down to the burn below.
This gives a vantage point to see the steam trains pass and to take in the sight and sounds of a working branch line. There's also a short walk from Greenrigg Halt down to the River Aln to see the stepping stones which cross the river.
Will you be visiting the Aln Valley Railway during its 2022 season? Let us know in the comments below!
Michael Proctor, Chairman of the AVR expressed his thanks and said: "2022 is a particularly important year for the railway, as it is 10 years since work first started on Lloyd's field. In that time, our dedicated band of volunteers have turned a farmer's field with no facilities and an overgrown length of trackbed into a working railway that grows in popularity every year.
"As we look forward to welcoming back visitors for the new season, we can also celebrate that huge achievement and thank everyone that has played a part, however small, in making it all possible."
A new booking system for 2022 means that visitors can purchase tickets online in advance as well as at Lionheart Station. Both single and return tickets are on offer, so it's possible to walk back or to walk to Greenrigg and board the train there.
There is also a shop, cafe and museum, where visitors can learn more about the volunteer work done over the last decade. For more information on the Aln Valley Railway and to book tickets, visit the website.
