The Golden Valley Light Railway (GVLR) is a delightful narrow-gauge heritage railway situated within the Midland Railway – Butterley museum complex in Ripley, Derbyshire. Spanning nearly a mile, this 2-foot (610mm) gauge line offers visitors a charming journey through the scenic Butterley Country Park, culminating at the Newlands Inn Station, which overlooks the restored Cromford Canal basin and the entrance to the historic Butterley Tunnel.
Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, the GVLR showcases a collection of restored ex-industrial steam and diesel locomotives, including the notable Orenstein & Koppel steam locomotive. Among its prized rolling stock is the fully restored Ashover Light Railway Coach No. 4, a 1924-built coach that returned to passenger service in 2014 after decades of dormancy.
Trains typically run on weekends and bank holidays from late March to late October, with additional services during school holidays. Departures from Butterley Park Station begin at 11:50 AM and continue at 45-minute intervals until 4:15 PM. Access to the GVLR is through the Midland Railway – Butterley site, located approximately one mile north of Ripley on the B6179. Visitors can reach the railway via Butterley Station or by footpaths from Ripley,
