Drive an 08 Shunter Experience
On Sunday 12 April we’re offering the chance to drive an 08 shunter, an experience new for 2026.
You will be in charge of driving this heritage diesel locomotive, plus our Toad brake van, up our 1-in-27 incline.
Your experience will start on Platform 3 at Wirksworth station, where you (and up to six guests) will be introduced to your instructor. This experience will last for around 20 to 30 minutes.
Once you have been made familiar with the controls and your guests have boarded, you will set off heading north towards our maintenance shed, as you pass this you will start the climb, you will pass under Cemetery Lane bridge and go around a left hand bend, as you climb even more before you reach our steepest gradient of 1-in-27, once you have passed under Cromford Road bridge you will reach the summit and come to a halt on Platform 1 at Ravenstor.
You will have a short pause here whilst your guides let you know some of the history of the line and it is also a good photo opportunity.
Then for the hard part: you will be in full control of the brakes as you take the train back down the steep and challenging gradients, and come to a stop in Platform 3 at Wirksworth. This is also where your experience will come to an end.