All change for heritage line travel
The Great Central Railway is giving you the chance to experience something new this month, as trains are making a journey they rarely have before.
Two bridges which are 125 years old are being replaced near Quorn and Woodhouse station, which means the usual main line route between Loughborough and Leicester is temporarily closed.
During this time, heritage trains are leaving Leicester North station, pausing at Rothley, before changing tracks on to the Mountsorrel branch line and heading to Nunckley Hill visitor centre and museum.
The branch line to Mountsorrel leaves the Great Central main line near Swithland.
It was originally built to carry trains laden with stone from the local quarry, but it fell out of use in the 1950s and was relaid by volunteers as a community project.
They have transformed an empty site into a visitor centre telling the story of the quarrying and railways in the area, plus other village stories.
The trains between Leicester and Mountsorrel will be operated by vintage diesel multiple units dating from the 1950s.
“We’re looking forward to offering this treat to our visitors,” said Great Central Railway chairman Richard Patching.
“The contrast between the branch line and our main line is really something. The train slows right down leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and relax.
“As our main line was built in the 1890s we need to keep investing in the railway so we continue to serve the community as a leading attraction and employer.
“The work will take the whole of March to complete. We’re relieved we don’t have to close entirely, so now is definitely the time to come and see us for this very rare chance to travel from Leicester to Mountsorrel!”
All day travel is available for £12 per adult, £7 per child. A separate admission fee (£1 for adults and 50p for children) is payable to visit the Mountsorrel Heritage Centre.