Next March, the Branch Line Society is running a charter excursion from Derby to Whitby, the town famous for being where the author Bram Stoker wrote his famous novel, Dracula.

The society’s previous plan to run a charter to Whitby last October was thwarted, so hopes are that this one will be more successful. Participants can immerse themselves in how Bram Stoker wrote his novel after being insprired whilst walking in the town’s West Cliff, looking across to the foreboding image of the ruins of Whitby Abbey, the beach below, and the famous 199 Steps.

The charter, running under the title “The Second Bite”, will run on Saturday 18th March 2023 and be operated by RailAdventure. From Derby the tour weill pick up at Nottingham, Alfreton, Chesterfield, Sheffield, and York to Battersby, where the first reversal take place. The tour will then use the much sought-after Battersby loop, and after a subsequent reversal at Ferryhill Up Sidings, will continue via Grosmont to Whitby.

Participants can alight at Grosmont, where they will have time for a visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, or stay on the train for a 90-minutes break at Whitby, ideal for fish & chips.

Refreshments will be available in a buffet car with a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light refreshments, as well as a number of hand-pulled real ales and cider.

On the outward journey there will be a photo=stop at Church Fenton, with another photo-stop at Battersby on the return.

Indicative routing and timings:

Derby (PU 05.03) – Long Eaton – Nottingham (PU 05.37 / RM) – Meadow Lane Jn – Dn Toton Goods – Alfreton P1 (PU 06.14) – Chesterfield P1 (PU 06.29) – Sheffield P5 (PU 06.50) – Brightside Up East Slow – Brightside Up & Dn Slow – Barnsley – Wakefield Kirkgate – Church Fenton P3 (photo stop) – York (PU 09.28) – Northallerton – Eaglescliffe – Middlesbrough – Battersby Loop (RM) – Grosmont (SD 12.37) – Whitby (break / RM) – Grosmont (PU 14.55) – Battersby (photo stop / RM) – Middlesbrough – Hartburn Jn – Norton on Tees West Jn – Ferryhill Up Sidings (RM) – Darlington Up Main – Northallerton – York P11 (SD 18.58) – Doncaster Up Fast – Ranskill UPL – Retford P2 (SD 20.23 / RM) – Whisker Hill Curve – Worksop – Sheffield P8 (SD 21.25) – Chesterfield P3 (SD 21.47) – Alfreton P2 (SD 22.09) – Radford Jn – Nottingham P1 (SD 22.38 / RM) – Long Eaton – Derby P5 (SD 23.18).

Bookings for the tour are now open, and on this occasion there is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member. Ticket prices are £195 for First Class, Non-Dining at a guaranteed table for two, £170 First Class, Non-Dining, and £115.00 for Standard Class. Accompanied under 18s benefit from a £57.50 reduction in all fares.