This weekend, on the 23rd and 24th April, the Aln Valley Railway will be operating a Pacer unit on passenger services between Lionheart Station and Greenrigg Halt.

The railway currently operates for a mile on part of the LNER’s Alnwick branch line in Northumberland, which originally ran for nearly three miles from Alnmouth, on the East Coast Main Line to the town of Alnwick.

The principal objective of the Aln Valley Railway Trust is the restoration and operation of the railway between Alnmouth and Alnwick, providing an additional tourist attraction for the area and to enlarge the district’s tourism offering. This project also aims to develop the railway corridor as a sustainable transport link as well as a recreational and educational resource for the local community and visitors to the area.

Lionheart station is adjacent to the Lionheart Enterprise Park just outside Alnwick, and is aligned parallel to the A1 from where a single track line joins and follows the original trackbed towards Alnmouth. A cycle path runs alongside the railway line, and will link up with the National Cycle Network at Alnmouth and the A1068 road next to the A1.

For those aged 12 years and over, there will be the chance to ride in the cab of the Pacer from Lionheart to Greenrigg. The Cab Ride is available throughout each day, but are limited to a maximum of one person travelling in the cab along with the driver on each journey. Passengers for the cab rides must be aged 12 or over, and tickets, cost £30, must be pre-booked online up to 21.00 on the day before travel.

Departures from Lionheart are at 11.00, 12.00, 13.30, 14.30, and 15.30. Return journeys depart from Greenrigg an 11.25, 12.25, 13.55, 14.55, and 15.55. Adult fares are £4 single and £7 return , with fares for children aged 5 to 15 at £1.50 single and £2.50 return. Tickets should be booked online at http://www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk/tickets

The railway’s cafe, shop, playground, and miniature railway will all be open over the weekend.