Leek and Rudyard Railway up for sale

[mjc]

Not quite sure this is preservation, and definitely not railtours, but couldn’t find a better spot for it.

Just seen posted on Facebook that Leek and Rudyard railway is up for sale. Details on link attached.

Leek and Rudyard Railway - Buy or Sell a UK Business with Daltons Business

A well known miniature railway (10 1/4 inch gauge) visitor attraction just outside Leek on the edge of the Peak District and running alongside the world famous Rudyard Lake. The business comprises ~1.5 miles of track, 3 stations, a fully equipped engine shed (with office and CCTV/security...

www.daltonsbusiness.com

A well known miniature railway (10 1/4 inch gauge) visitor attraction just outside Leek on the edge of the Peak District and running alongside the world famous Rudyard Lake. The business comprises ~1.5 miles of track, 3 stations, a fully equipped engine shed (with office and CCTV/security system), a fully equipped cafe, various store sheds and a toilet block. The sale includes 2 steam engines, 2 diesel engines, a petrol shunter, 10 operating passenger coaches (plus others awaiting restoration), various wagons, 2x signal boxes, points, levers, signals, a mini-tractor/digger, track equipment, hydraulic loco lift and a workshop (inventory available on request). The business is for sale as a whole, in part or individual assets (by separate negotiation). Viewings are strictly by appointment.

 

[childwallblues]

Would the Churnet Valley Railway be interested?

 

[Jamesrob637]

Don't think so as they're currently focused on their extension to Leek.

 

[Fawkes Cat]

the world famous Rudyard Lake

'World famous' in the special sense known only to advertisers...

 

[Mcr Warrior]

'World famous' in the special sense known only to advertisers...

'Top Gear' once filmed part of an episode at Rudyard Lake!

Having said that, although it's only about an hour's drive from Greater Manchester, can't say I've really heard of it.

If "Name a famous English lake" was a question on the 'Pointless' TV show, doubt that 'Rudyard Lake' would score very many points at all, if indeed any!

 

[CaptainHaddock]

'Top Gear' once filmed part of an episode at Rudyard Lake!

Having said that, although it's only about an hour's drive from Greater Manchester, can't say I've really heard of it.

If "Name a famous English lake" was a question on the 'Pointless' TV show, doubt that 'Rudyard Lake' would score very many points at all, if indeed any!

Named after the famous Rudyard Kipling I believe.

As the slogan goes "He makes exceedingly good lakes".

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Named after the famous Rudyard Kipling I believe.

Sorry to ruin the otherwise excellent gag, but it was the other way round. Young Master Kipling was apparently named after the lake, his parents having first met there.

 

[Cowley]

Sorry to ruin the otherwise excellent gag, but it was the other way round. Young Master Kipling was apparently named after the lake, his parents having first met there.

If that’s correct then I’ve certainly learnt something tonight!

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Named after the famous Rudyard Kipling I believe.

As the slogan goes "He makes exceedingly good lakes".

Bravo, sir!

 

[johnnychips]

Giggled far more than I should at this thread so far.

Seriously, we went on a forum walk round the lake about a year ago, and it was a lovely interlude. Hope they find a buyer.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

There is an ad infested article here in The Sentinel 19 October

Miniature steam railway up for sale with £495k asking price​

Owner Simon Clarke is hoping to reture
By
Hayley Parker
09:00, 19 OCT 2023

A miniature steam railway that has been transporting families for years has been put up for sale. The 10.25 inch gauge Leek and Rudyard Railway runs alongside the lake on the site of original rail tracks, for 1.5 miles.

It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing in passengers from far and wide, especially at Christmas time when the Santa specials are operating. Now owner Simon Clarke wants to sell off the track, three stations, an engine shed, cafe, two steam engines, two diesel engines and 10 passenger coaches.

Mr Clarke - who is hoping to retire after taking over the railway in 2015 - says there has been 'immediate interest' in the business which has an asking price of £495,000. It is being sold as a going concern.

The sale notice reads: "Leek and Rudyard Railway is for sale due to the upcoming retirement of the owner. The business is for sale in whole or in part and is being sold as a going concern. The railway is a popular tourist attraction in the Leek area of Staffordshire and runs for 1.5 miles alongside Rudyard Lake.

"Whilst the railway is for sale we would like to stress that we will remain open and operational, though with some modifications to our running days and events. The sale is being conducted through Daltons Business and we would encourage any interested parties to make contact via the sale advert. Please note all viewings of the railway and the assets for sale must be arranged in advance, casual viewings are not permitted.

"Please get in touch if you are interested and we would be happy to share relevant documents, accounts, lists of assets and arrange a viewing."

 

[Ash Bridge]

If that’s correct then I’ve certainly learnt something tonight!

I’m surprised I’ve never mentioned that fact during our conversations about said location Mr C?

 

[Cowley]

I’m surprised I’ve never mentioned that fact during our conversations about said location Mr C?

To be fair you might have done Mr Bridge but my memory isn’t as good as it used to be, and it wasn’t that good even then.