Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2026: 10am – 5pm

The Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail returns for its second year and takes place on 26-27 September 2026. This is a unique event to the area, celebrating local creativity and sustainable travel. Everyone will be invited to travel on the Hope Valley railway line and local buses to explore local creativity village by village.

What’s on: This year we have over 40 artists taking part across multiple venues between Chinley station and Grindleford station, offering everything from sketching and ceramics to painting and open studio visits. We will also have an activity booklet for all ages to complete along the trail along with workshops, demonstrations and refreshments.

Where: On the day visit one of our venues taking part to collect your printed Art Trail by Rail brochure which includes a map and details of the artists and activities for the weekend. This will also be listed online a few weeks before the event.

Book your ticket: The event is free to attend and by booking your ticket you can receive important updates including the launch of our online brochure and how to explore the trail. Book your free ticket here.

How do I get Involved

Take part as a Volunteer

We’d love any extra support to make this event happen, whether it’s a one-off task or helping over the weekend. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

  • Spread the word – Share our event online, in your local Whatsapp Group, with a friend.
  • Set up on the day – Put up signage and direction arrows, helping with tables and decorations at venues.
  • Welcome visitors – Welcoming and directing visitors either at one of the 6 train Stations or a village venue.
  • Get creative – Support or lead one of our art activity workshops, taking place at various locations along the trail. No prior experience needed!

All volunteers will be briefed and provided with the necessary information and resources ahead of the event, with an opportunity to take part in the trail too.

If you’d like to find out more please email Emily, EmilyGait@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk 

Take part as a local business

Are you a local business and interested in being involved in this event? Whether you’d like to decorate your window, host an artist, exhibit some work or provide refreshments there are lots of opportunities to get involved.

For a small donation,  businesses can also be included in the Art Trail by Rail booklet which will be available in print on the day and downloaded from the website. 

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more info@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk.

Take part as an Artist – Artist registration has now closed

If you are a local artist and would like to hear about other ways to get involved, please email Emily Gait at emilygait@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk

Key things to note:

  • The event takes place over two days, 26 – 27 September 10:00 – 17:00
  • The project focuses on promoting sustainable travel, with the train line acting as the main route through the festival.
  • Because of this, the core trail is centred around studios and venues that are accessible from stations between and including, Grindleford and Edale.
  • Artists who are based further from the line, or who do not have their own studio space, may also be placed within shared community venues in villages along the route. Currently we have spaces at Hathersage Memorial Hall and the Hope Valley Garden Centre so please state if you need a venue on the application form and we will be in touch.
Registered artists can find our Terms and Conditions here.

Take a look at last year’s Art Trail by Rail:
Event Summary and Highlights
Activities and Workshops Blog
Introducing the Artists

This art trail project is kindly supported by TransPennine Express, High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership and High Peak CVS