For Sunday 21 June, Father’s Day, we’re taking bookings for the chance to drive an 08 shunter, which is a brand new experience for 2026.
Treat your father to this unique experience where he can take charge of driving this heritage diesel locomotive, pulling our Toad brake van, up our 1-in-27 incline.
The experience starts on Platform 3 at Wirksworth station, where dad and up to six guests will be introduced to their instructor. This experience will last for around 20 to 30 minutes.
Once your dad has been made familiar with the controls and guests have boarded, he will set off heading north towards our maintenance shed, then the track starts to climb, passing under Cemetery Lane bridge and go around a left hand bend, before reaching our steepest gradient of 1-in-27.
Having passed under Cromford Road bridge the locomotive will come to a halt on Platform 1 at Ravenstor, at the top of the incline.
After a short pause here the guides will provide some of the history of the line and it’s also a good photo opportunity.
Then for the interesting part: your dad will be in full control of the brakes as he takes the train back down the steep and challenging gradients, and come to a stop in Platform 3 at Wirksworth. This is also where the experience will come to an end.