Churnet Valley Railway, Cheddleton, Leek, Staffordshire

The Churnet Valley Railway operates from Leekbrook via Cheddleton (5km south of Leek) and Froghall to Oakamoor, a distance of 11km, along the deep and picturesque valley of the River Churnet. The railway was once the North Staffordshire Railway (known as 'Owd Knotty' due to its emblem of the Staffordshire Knot) which ran from North Rode to Uttoxeter via Leek. The railway was closed as part of the Beeching cuts, between 1968 and 1970, though freight trains ran on part of the line until 1988.

The Churnet Valley Railway was started by enthusiasts with aid from the local authorities, and began running trains in 1996. These now run regularly at weekends between March and October and during the summer holidays, carrying 54,000 passengers in 2004. Several stations, including those at Cheddleton, Consall and Froghall, been restored.

The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire's "Little Switzerland".

The picturesque stations offer lots of interest with a complete range of visitor facilities, and there's plenty more to see and enjoy along the way. In addition to the 10 mile return journey along the valley, there's a taste of contrasting moorland scenery on the 16-mile round trip along the Cauldon branch.

Kingsley & Froghall Grid reference SK024471