Hope Valley Railway Line

People travel from all over the world to visit the Peak District, attracted by its exceptional beauty and opportunities for outdoor adventure. The area features some of England’s finest outdoor experiences, many of which are accessible from the Hope Valley Line stations, including Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale.

Have a look at the stations page to see where you’d like to explore.

History of the Hope Valley Line

Our charity has a rich history of campaigning to protect the Hope Valley railway line. In fact, our founder, Ethel Haythornthwaite played a pivotal role in ensuring the line remains operational to this day. The line has provided access to countryside from the days of the Right to Roam movement and protests of the 1920s and 30’s. Hordes of ramblers travelled out on Sundays wanting to claim their right to the fresh air of the hills and to escape the pollution of the smoke-filled cities.

The Hope Valley Line is not only important for passenger services but also for freight traffic, particularly from the quarries around Hope that produce stone and cement. The line features two significant tunnels: the Totley Tunnel, which is the fourth-longest tunnel in England, and the Cowburn Tunnel, the deepest tunnel in England.