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A couple of years ago, we
had paid a most enjoyable visit to the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway (see
"Steeple Grange and Rudyard Lake".
This fine 10¼" gauge line is built on
 the
trackbed of the North Staffs Railway's Churnet Valley route, along the
eastern shore of the lake. With a fine sunny day in prospect, we took a
ride up to Rudyard, with the main intention of a walk around the lake -
oh, and a quick look at the railway too...
 We
parked at the railway's Rudyard station, and joined the 2.20pm departure
for Hunthouse Wood, the far terminus, hauled by "Merlin". Last
time we visited, another similar, though slightly smaller, loco was
present - "River Churnet". The latter had been away at the
Exmoor Steam Railway's workshops, for a rebuild with a larger boiler and a
few other modifications, but was
 due
back soon - this afternoon, in fact. And bang on cue - minutes before
departure, the rebuilt loco "Excalibur" arrived!
 We
had a very pleasant walk - perhaps about four miles from the far terminus
back to Rudyard station, and soon left the crowds behind. We could see and
hear the train across the lake, and quietly wondered whether Excalibur
would be in steam yet.
 Sure
enough, steam had been raised, and after a few posed photos with a couple
of wagons,
 Excalibur's
first run took place. Double heading with Merlin, on the last scheduled
train of the day, the pair made a fine sight on the bank away from the
station.
The line operates weekends
and bank holidays throughout the season, with a 40 minute interval
service. On bank holidays, two trains operate, passing half way, on a 20
minute interval. The public footpath around the lake runs alongside the
line - and the sun is the right side for photography too! What more could
one ask!
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; "...a walk around the lake...")
; "\"Excalibur\" poses with freight wagons")
; "Excalibur and the depot, Rudyard")
; "Excalibur and Merlin, Rudyard")
; "The double header - ready for departure")
; "Excalibur's first train leaves Rudyard station")