Groudle Glen Railway
From ManxWiki
Groudle Glen Railway is a narrow gauge railway operated by volunteers from the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters.
Contents |
Brief History
In 1893 the Manx Electric Railway was built to run from Derby Castle in Douglas to Groudle Glen through the privately owned and previously unaccesible Howsdrake Estate. Once alighting at Groudle, visitors were treated to a beautiful glen with rustic paths and bridges that followed and crossed the Groudle River as it made it's way to the sea.
Above the river to the left (as viewed downstream) the headland was developed as a tourist attraction. A rocky inlet in the cliffs was dammed to create a pool with a viaduct walkway where Sea Lions and Polar Bears provided entertainment to the visitors. The railway opened in 1896 and was operated by 2 locomotives aptly named "Sea Lion" and "Polar Bear".
The railway continued to be operated until 1962 when a general downturn in Tourism saw the engines, coaches, buildings and some of the track removed.
In 1982 The Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters Association, a group of volunteers, began the job of restoring the railway. The first section of track opened in May 1986 using two diesel locomotives called Dolphin and Walrus. In October 1987 "Polar Bear" returned to it's Manx home following complete renovation by apprentices from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. in Cumbria.
The track was further extended to the original terminus at Sea Lion Rocks in 1992 and in 1993 a replica of the original station at Lhen Coan was officially opening with a visit by "Sea Lion" from her new home at the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum. Sea Lion was also to return for another visit to celebrate Groudle Glens Railways Centenary Year in 1996.
The work didn't stop there and the railway has recently seen the opening of a cafe alongside Sea Lion Rocks, the addition of another steam engine called "Annie" which was hand built by association members, restoration of the original carriages.
Operating Times
Regular Services
- Sundays between May and September
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays between July and August
Special Dates
- Easter Bunny Trains run on Easter Sunday.
- Santa Trains run in the weeks leading up to Christmas
- Mince Pie Specials run on Boxing Day
Location Map
Groudle Glen is located approximately 4 miles from Douglas alongside the Manx Electric Railway. Limited car parking is available below Lime Kiln Halt in the Glen (signposted from main road) or on the main road near the Glen entrance beside the Groudle Hotel.
Video
A quick trip on the railway in 2005
Gallery
 Lhen Coan Station |
 As seen from King Edward Road |
 Easter Bunny at the Cafe |
 Rounding the headland from Lime Kiln Halt |
