What Can I Expect

Steam train driving Staffordshire that'll see you conquering the valleys and embankments of the Churnet Valley railway line. This is one of those things that everyone would love to do. If driving a steam train is on your 'bucket list' we can highly recommend these experiences in Staffordshire - the crews are friendly, the scenery is stunning and the whole day out is great fun for all the family.

The 'Regulator' steam train experience offers one to one tuition driving one of this Staffordshire-based railway's fully restored steam locomotives without carriages attached. You will be shown around the the loco you'll be driving, which could be No. 6046 that was built in Pennsylvania before being exported to France in 1945, or perhaps No 69621, another beautifully restored steam loco. Once onboard, the train driver will give you 'on the job' training as you head off along the track for 12 miles.

The 'Toplink course' in Staffordshire will see you being responsible for stoking up for the steam on the train and driving her with a rake of carriages attached. What we love most about this experience is that you can invite up to six friends and family to ride as passengers in the carriages of the train you will actually be driving. This experience is shared with one other driver, so you will alternate between the roles of firing and driving along the extended 23 mile Churnet Valley route.

The ultimate day out at this wonderful venue at Frogshall near Stafford is the 'Cauldon Lowe' course. You will spend all day at the base and you'll feel like a fully integrated member of the steam train crew, as you have six hours of stoking and driving ahead. Covering 41 miles, you will tackle some of the steepest gradients on the Valley and Lowe lines, culminating in the summit at Ipstones. And of course, you can invite guests to be passengers.

When you pull back into the station and your steam train driving in Staffordshire session comes to a close, you will be presented with a certificate and a Churnet Valley Railway polo shirt. You will also be able to spend time having a look in the museum and loco sheds at the main Cheddleton Station, giving you a superb full day out. So blow the whistle, stoke the coal, open the regulator and feel the power of steam driving thee superb locos at one of Staffordshire's top attractions!

Availability

• Selected weekdays and weekends throughout the year
• Due to popularity, participants must book a date for their experience within 6 months from the date of purchase
• 2019 dates for Steam Engine "Regulator" and Top Link Course are now full awaiting 2020 dates 

Suitable For

• Participants must be physically and mentally fit and be over 18 years of age (if over 70 years please contact us to discuss suitability)
• Recipients will need to bring their own overalls (preferably cotton) and wear sturdy boots (preferably steel toe capped).
• Do not wear anything flammable such as football shirts or tracksuits made of polyester.
• Participants should not consume any alcohol before or during their experience
• You will need to advise the railway if you are taking any medication that may have a side effect caused by exposure to excessive heat or cold draughts and if you are in any doubt of your suitability to take part you should contact your GP

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome to come along and watch the action
• On "Cauldon Lowe" courses you can bring up to six people along to ride in the carriages whilst you are driving the train. - Additional meals can be purchased for guests at the time of booking your date

Anything Else I Need To Know?

• The Railway has award winning tearooms serving food and refreshments
• The supplier cannot guarantee the specific departure time of trains and reserves the right to cancel or alter a train in the case of mechanical issue

Location

• Churnet Valley Railway, Cheddleton in Staffordshire

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