The Churnet Valley Railway is sometimes overlooked in favour of bigger, more traditional heritage railways that operate classic British locomotives. But we do things differently. While many preserved railways focus on recreating the past as a spectacle, we operate steam locomotives for a purpose. Here, it’s not just about putting on a show - it’s about doing the job they were built for.
Over the years, we’ve run many British locomotives, hiring large engines for extended seasons. But as hire costs have risen, this approach has become increasingly unsustainable. That’s why we’ve shifted our focus. Instead of bringing in big engines for an entire season, we introduce locomotives for shorter periods—adding variety for visitors while keeping things fresh and exciting for our staff. After all, for those working on a railway, passion is everything.
One thing that sets the Churnet Valley Railway apart is our steep gradients, particularly on the Cauldon Lowe branch. This is where our resident American S160 2-8-0 locomotives come into their own. These engines weren’t chosen just for their looks or nostalgia—they were chosen because they can handle the challenge of hauling heavy trains up our punishing inclines. Unlike other heritage railways that might stage a "hard-working steam" event for photographers, we don’t need to pretend. Every single day, our locomotives have to work hard—because if they didn’t, our trains wouldn’t make it to the top!
This video, shared with us recently, captures that perfectly—one of our American steam locomotives tackling the Cauldon Lowe branch, working flat out just as they would have done decades ago. The sight, the sound, and the sheer power are straight out of the 1960s, albeit with an American twist.
If you’re looking for a heritage railway experience with real, working steam in action—one where the locomotives don’t just pose for photographs but actually earn their keep—then come and visit us. Nestled in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, the Churnet Valley Railway may be a small railway, but with our steep gradients and hard-working engines, we deliver one of the most authentic steam railway experiences in the country.