As the countryside starts to turn golden the changing of the seasons provides new opportunities to enjoy the High Peak and Hope Valley by train. With a range of festivals and events taking place this month, we have rounded up a few September highlights to inspire your adventures on the railway.
New Mills Festival
New Mills Festival returns from the 12 – 28 September, fuelled by community spirit and supported by volunteers, businesses, artists, performers and creative thinkers. Explore the Art Trail, discover the history of Torr Vale Mill and take part in an amazing variety of creative events.
On Saturday 13 September a Folk Train will travel from Manchester Piccadilly, departing at 13.18, to Strines (the stop before New Mills Central) before taking a 15-minute walk to the Fox Inn, Brookbottom where the music will continue!
*Note: If the folk train part doesn’t work out there will still be normal trains from Manchester to Strines and there will be an afternoon of folk at the Fox regardless!
Find out more about all of the events taking place as part of the festival here.
Photograph of Torr Vale Mill taken by Steven Bradshaw.
Heritage Open Days in Buxton
Every year Heritage Open Days take place nationally, and this year you can visit some incredible places in Buxton as part of the festival. Taking place from 12 – 21 September, you can celebrate the heritage, community and history of buildings including Buxton Opera House, listen to a variety of talks about the past and future of Buxton, take a guided walk or attend the Buxton Architecture Quiz Night to name just a few of the events taking place. All of the events are free but booking may be required.
Pick up a festival leaflet from the Buxton Visitor Centre in The Pump Room or visit the Visit Buxton website here to find out more.
Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail
On the 27th the Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail is celebrating creativity along the Hope Valley Line, using the railway to encourage people to hop on and off at specific villages to walk, cycle or catch a bus to explore and take part in art activities. Local artists, makers and creatives will showcase their work as part of the trail.
If you would like to find out more information about the art trail, please take a look at the Hope Valley Climate Action website here.
Let us know what you find!
Where have your adventures along the railway lines taken you this month? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
