YOU don’t have be a train buff to enjoy travelling by steam.
I remember a few years ago taking our young daughter on the Kirklees Light Railway and it was a memorable experience travelling on carriages, that are a character in their own right, and taking in the surrounding scenery through the beautiful South Pennine foothills as we trundled down the track to the Shelley terminus.
Travelling by train is particularly pleasurable for young passengers who are often so used to being transported everywhere in the car.
For very young travellers it is a gentle introduction into what to them must seem like a novelty of travelling down the tracks.
As we recall, it is a fantastic day out and a pleasurable trip to boot. It also gives families the opportunity to spend that precious family time relaxing and doing something together.
Travelling along the railway is also a rare opportunity to be transported to your destination in a little more tranquility than our busy roads can offer.
You can actually spend the time savouring the scenery too, pointing out places of interest or being introduced to those that aren’t so familiar.
Children love train travel because for many it seems a novelty and with the characteristic engines transporting them on their way The Kirklees Light Railway promises to be a memorable trip - whatever your age!
Interestingly, The Kirklees Light Railway has developed over the years from a line dating back to the mid 19th century - a time when demand for textiles was booming and coal also played an integral part in the local economy.
Seizing on the opportunity, a railway link was created through the communities of Clayton West and Skelmanthorpe but in later years the demise of coal traffic and dwindling passengers prompted the closure of the line in 1983.
Brian and Doreen Taylor were running a miniature railway in Shibden Park, Halifax - another train we have previously had the pleasure of travelling along.
Brian’s ambition to build a 15 inch guage drew his attention to the old track at Clayton West.
Negotiations followed and with support from Kirklees Council, a Light Railway Order was applied for and granted in September 1991.
The line officially opened to the public a month later, although it was developed in stages.
With the support of a small team, it initially ran to Cuckoo’s Nest in October 1991; Skelmanthorpe in December 1992 and Shelley in May 1997.
When Brian and Doreen eventually retired in the early 2000s, the railway was acquired by Stately Albion, a family owned company specialising in the manufacture of park and leisure homes.
Today, the railway boasts a new engine shed and station building at Clayton West which are home to the characteristic engines - Hawk, Owl, Fox, Badger and Katie.
But they aren’t the only attractions here for on their return from their travels, young visitors can literally let off steam in the two large play areas at Shelley where grown ups can also take a break in the tea room. There is a picnic area too, perfect for dining al fresco in the summer months.
During the year the railway hosts many events but the summer months are particularly popular for Thomas the Tank Engine fans.
The ‘Day out with Thomas’ events run on June 10 and 11; July 15 and 16 and over the weekend August 18 to 20.
On Saturday and Sunday September 9 and 10 the railway is hosting a Steam and Diesal Gala Weekend.
There is a classic vehicle rally later in the year along with Halloween-themed events in October and, of course, Santa Specials at Christmas.
For more information visit kirkleeslightrailway.com.
The Kirklees Light Railway is based in Park Mill Way, Clayton West, near Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ. For more information call 01484 865727 or email: info@kirkleeslightrailway.com
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