The Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail is back for its second year, taking place across the weekend of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. Brought to you by Hope Valley Climate Action, this self-led trail invites visitors to explore art, music, and creativity across one of the Peak District’s most scenic railway lines.
What’s On
This year’s trail brings together over 40 artists across 13 venues, spread between six stations: Chinley, Edale, Hope, Bamford, Hathersage and Grindleford. Expect art, refreshments, workshops, live demonstrations and music dotted along the route.
How to Explore the Trail
The beauty of the Art Trail is that it’s entirely self-led; start at any venue and explore at your own pace. The only thing you need to sort yourself is travel.
By train: A Day Return ticket on the Hope Valley line lets you break your journey and hop on and off at different stations, as long as you keep heading toward your final destination on each leg. Note that Advance tickets don’t offer this flexibility. Saturday has an hourly service, but Sunday has some two-hour gaps between trains, so it’s worth checking the timetable before you head out.
By bus: On Saturday 26 September, trail visitors can grab a discounted ticket for the Peak Sightseer open-top bus. Show the driver your online ticket or art trail sticker for a concessionary all-day ticket for £9.50 (down from £14). You will need to take the Blue route, which starts at Chatsworth and runs throughout the whole Valley to Castleton. More details here.
To get started, head to any participating venue to pick up your printed art booklet and sticker, which will help you plan your route. Maps are available at all six main stations, along with signage pointing you to the nearest venue.
Highlights Not to Miss
A few extra treats this year:
- Activity booklet — pick one up at any venue and try the word scavenger hunt running across the trail, plus a collaborative mural at several locations.
- Drop-in activities and demonstrations — pottery in Bamford, felting in Chinley and Hope, zine-making in Hathersage, and more. No booking needed, and everything is free or just a small donation toward materials.
- Live music — travelling musicians will move between venues across the weekend:Saturday
- 11am–12pm — Grindleford Padley Chapel, S32 2JA (special appearance from Mark Bradshaw and The Jackdaws)
- 11am–12pm — Hathersage Lawrence Hall, Oddfellows Rd, Hathersage, S32 1DU
- 1–2pm — Hope Loxley Hall, Market Place, Hope, S33 6RH
Sunday
- 10–11am — Chinley WI, 14C Lower Ln, Chinley, SK23 6BD
- 10–11am and 12:30–1:30pm — Hope Valley Garden Centre, Hope Rd, Bamford, S33 0AL
You can find full details on artists, venues and activities — plus download the Art Trail booklet — on the Hope Valley Climate Action website.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Some parts of the trail include steps, uneven ground and varied surfaces — sturdy footwear is a good idea.
- If you have mobility requirements, check venue information in advance for accessible routes.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Please supervise children closely around roads, on public transport, and within venues.
- All rail and bus travel is at your own cost.
- Double-check train times before setting off, especially on Sunday.
Follow Hope Valley Climate Action on social media for more updates in the run-up to the event — and share with anyone who’d love a weekend of art, music and exploring the Peak District by rail. See you there!
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