The Rowsley Association : A History

The 2008 series of walks will be held on the following dates:-

Saturday 12th April
Saturday 17th May
Saturday 21st June
Saturday 26th July
Wednesday 13th August
Saturday 6th September
Saturday 4th October

The walks, which start from Rowsley Old Station at 10.30am, take 2 to 3 hours (with stops for explanation) and cover a distance of 2 miles. Refreshments will be available at Rowsley South station at the end and there is also the opportunity to travel on Peak Rail trains. There will be a cost of £3.00 for the walks, for which you will also receive an illustrated tour guide. It is advised that you book in advance by contacting Glynn Waite by phone on 0114 236 4728 or e-mail info@rowsleyassociation.org.uk.

Walks on unscheduled days can also be arranged for parties of 3 or more persons - including out of season dates.

Please note that those who join the walks will need to be reasonably fit and wear clothing appropriate for the weather anticipated on the day. It should also be noted that the Sidings were often subject to standing water and this may well be present, even in mid-summer.

The full walk is not suitable for disabled people. However, parts are suitable and we will be happy to arrange specially adapted walks on other than the advertised days.

As you will see below the walks end at Peak Rail’s Rowsley South station. You will therefore need to retrace your steps for part of the tour after refreshment or, if you wish, take a ride on Peak Rail’s 13.56 train to Matlock and back (see link from this site, or www.peakrail.co.uk/timetabl.htm).

Rowsley Old Station is a central feature in the Peak Village Outlet Shopping Centre and should be easy to find. Please ask if you need further information. It is suggested that you arrive a little earlier than 10.30 if you need refreshments or toilet facilities. You are also asked to park in Section A of the car park, which is on your immediate right when you enter the complex. You will be given a slip to put on your dashboard at the start of the walk.

You will also be given your illustrated tour guide, which will help you understand the features that were once to be seen. The day then starts with a brief history of how the railway came to Rowsley, followed by examination of the original terminus. It will then take in the structures or sites of:

The Midland Railway cottages on Chatsworth Road
The original Station Master’s house and other MBM&MJR cottages
The entrance to the Old Yard (filled in underbridge)
The Grouse & Claret (formerly the Station Hotel)
Former rail overbridge
Peacock Hotel and Church Lane
St. Katherine’s churchyard
The Viaduct over the River Wye
Rowsley second station (1862)
The original engine shed
The Express Dairy depot
Rowsley North Junction
The former pump house
Rowsley Sidings
Rowsley South Junction
Engineer’s Sidings
Rowsley second shed (1926-1966)
Rowsley South station