The Wokesworth
Heritage Railway
"Where there are no atheists and Euro IV regulations matter not"
Dad's Army meets Last of the Summer Wine on rails. A white-knuckle journey through the Peak District aboard lovingly restored* locomotives.*restoration standards may vary
A Labour of Love (And Liability)
Founded in 1983 by Lee Ferguson-Neil after his departure from British Rail (circumstances still under legal review), the Wokesworth Heritage Railway represents the triumph of enthusiasm over expertise, passion over planning, and blind optimism over basic mechanical competence.
Our dedicated team of volunteers—average age 73, average engineering qualification nil—have lovingly restored a fleet of locomotives that the National Railway Museum refused to accept even as scrap. What others called "irreparable death traps," we saw as "projects with character."
Every journey on the Wokesworth line is an experience. The rhythmic clatter of wheels that may or may not be properly attached. The romantic plume of steam mixed with what we're fairly sure isn't asbestos. The screams of delight (we assume) from passengers as we navigate the famous Cromford Cutting.
We've been responsible for creating 47 documented born-again Christians, 12 marriage proposals (the imminent death really focuses the mind), and countless "I'll never complain about Virgin Trains again" revelations.
Journey Highlights
8.5 miles of scenic terror through the Peak District
The Gradient of Doubt
A 1-in-7 incline where passengers are encouraged to shift their weight forward. Collective prayer optional but recommended.
Cromford Cutting
Narrow passage where sparks from the wheels illuminate the limestone walls. Romantic or terrifying depending on your disposition.
The Viaduct of Faith
Victorian engineering at its finest. Original stonework, original mortar, original concerns about structural integrity.
Bernard's Bend
Named after a volunteer who 'went for a walk' at 40mph in 1998. He's fine now. Mostly.
Meet Our Volunteers
Combined age: 291. Combined formal engineering qualifications: None. Combined enthusiasm: Immeasurable.
Lee Ferguson-Neil
Founder, Chief Engineer & Spiritual Counsellor
Former British Rail signalman (dismissed 1987, reasons classified). Has restored 47 locomotives, 12 of which still exist. Believes Euro IV regulations are 'continental nonsense' and that a train 'knows when it's loved'. Provides post-journey pastoral care.
Bernard 'Knuckles' Pratt
Rolling Stock Manager
Retired boxer turned railway enthusiast. Fixes most mechanical problems with a large hammer and positive thinking. Has never read a manual. Claims he can 'feel' when a bearing is about to go.
Eileen Cathcart
Catering & First Aid
Provides tea, sandwiches, and emergency triage. Her Victoria sponge has won awards. Her tourniquets have saved lives. Both skills equally valuable on the Wokesworth line.
The Reverend Timothy Hopkirk
Chaplain & Signal Operator
Provides last rites, blessings, and occasionally remembers to change the signals. His sermons are short due to tunnel echo. Baptisms available in the water tank (cold).
Passenger Testimonials
What our survivors have to say
"I got on that train an atheist. I got off a born-again Christian. The bit where the wheels came off near Cromford... I saw the light. Literally. It was sparks from the track."
Graham Tinsdale
Derby (recovering)
"My late husband Harold always wanted to ride a steam train. Well, he got his wish. The 'late' bit happened on the return journey, but he died doing what he loved - screaming."
Doris Penwright
Matlock
"Health and Safety? We prefer to call it 'Natural Selection Awareness'. The strong survive. The weak get a lovely view of the Peak District on their way to A&E."
Lee Ferguson-Neil
Chief Engineer & Spiritual Advisor
"Dad took us for my 8th birthday. I'm 47 now and still can't hear properly in my left ear. Best day of my life though. The explosion was magnificent."
Kevin Buntworth
Wirksworth (original)
Plan Your Adventure
Running Times
Saturdays & Sundays
10am, 2pm (weather & mechanical failure permitting)
"Whenever she's ready" policy in effect
Location
Wokesworth Station
(the one with the crooked sign)
Free parking in adjacent field
Tickets
Adults: £15 (includes waiver)
Children: £8 (requires guardian signature)
Family pack includes 1 free counselling session
Important Information
- • Not recommended for those with heart conditions, nervous dispositions, or attachment to life
- • All passengers must sign a comprehensive waiver (6 pages, witnessed)
- • The railway accepts no responsibility for spiritual conversions, existential crises, or sudden urges to write a will
- • Refunds available only in cases of non-departure (frequent)
- • The Reverend Hopkirk is available for pre-journey blessings (recommended)
"The only heritage railway where the journey is truly the destination—because arrival is never guaranteed."
— Lee Ferguson-Neil, Founder