IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Idridgehay, BELPER, DE56 2SF

View over the level-crossing on the ex-Midland branch from Duffield (to left) to Wirksworth (to right). The station was closed to passengers 16/6/47 when the regular branch service ceased, to goods 5/1/53. Although regular freight traffic to Wirksworth continued until 1/4/68, the line has survived and used for various purposes, having been operated since 2003 as the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway by WyvernRail plc (formed 1992). This explains the presence of the crossing-lights in 1998. (See also Image]).

Opened in 1867 by the Midland Railway on the line from Derby to Wirksworth, this station closed to passengers in 1947 and completely in 1964. View north towards Wirksworth. The station was reopened in 2008 by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Looking towards Duffield from the southern end of the single platform at this intermediate station on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. A short section of the platform has been raised to allow easier access to trains.

A wayside stop on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. The old station buildings are now in private hands.

Dry farmland showing over the gate and hedge.

None of the paths on the Ecclesbourne Way is new, but improvements have been made to some of the existing paths that have been strung together to make it. As well as the kissing gate, a purple and yellow "Ecclesbourne Way" arrow has been added, here.

The platform is used by heritage trains but the station is a private dwelling.

Grade II Listed former railway station conceived by Midland Railway Chief Engineer John Sydney Crossley and built about 1867 to serve the Wirksworth branch of the Midland Railway's Buxton line. The station, now a private residence, is on the preservation Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. From 16th June 1947 passenger services were suspend and never reinstated. The last freight train ran in December 1989 and the station was left to decay. BR started to lift the rails in 1990 but stopped due to the possibility of the line reopening. WyvernRail Ltd was founded in 1992 and was awarded a Light Railway Order for the line in 1996. In 1997 the Derby and Wirksworth Railway Association was formed renaming itself the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association in 2000 when access to the line was finally granted. This approach led to the restoration of the line and from 2011 the full line between Wirksworth and Duffield opened for passengers.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

The large valley contains a stream that seems smaller than would be expected.