The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on 27 September 1825, connecting places, people, communities and ideas and ultimately transforming the world.
Railway 200 is a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail. It invites community, rail and other groups to get involved.
The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership is marking the anniversary with a ‘baton relay’. Over six days in September, walkers will carry a special baton, created by Northwich Toppers, along the historic Cheshire Lines Committee route from Manchester to Chester.
To register your interest, please email the MCCRP Rail Officer: contact@midcheshirerail.org.uk
Preparation for the walks
Flat heeled sturdy water proof boots or shoes are recommended for the baton relay walks. Please check the weather forecast the day before/morning of the walk and dress in clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Drinks, snacks and lunch depending on the time of day of the walk are also recommended. The walk leader may plan a stop off or finish the walk with a visit to a pub or café, this is optional but if you would like to go along please bring some money.
Please inform your walk leader of any medical conditions they may need to be aware of.
It is recommended that walkers catch the train back to their starting point.
Click to Download General Information Poster
Monday 22nd September
On Monday 22 September the baton will be carried from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport and you are invited to join the walk for all or part of the route.
Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport Meet at 13:45 at Manchester Picadilly Station on the Woodley bound platform for the 13:51 train.
Woodley Station to Tiviot Dale Meet at 14:15 at Woodley Station Car Park for the walk to Tiviot Dale Remains.
(Stockport Tiviot Dale was open from 1865 until 1967; it is about 1 mile north-east of Stockport station.)
Click to Download Information Poster
Tuesday 23rd September
On Tuesday 23 September the baton will be carried from Manchester Central to Altrincham and you are invited to join the walk for all or part of the route.
Manchester Central to Navigation Road Meet at 10:00 underneath the canopy at the top of the steps at the front of Manchester Central Station.
Navigation Road to Altrincham Interchange Meet at 14:00 at Navigation Road car park.
Please note there are NO suitable car parking facilities at this location.
It is recommended that participants arrive at the start point by Metrolink alighting at St Peter’s Square with a 4-minute walk along Mount Street (to the right of The Midland Hotel).
Click to Download Information Poster
Wednesday 24th September
On Wednesday 24 September the baton will be carried from Altrincham to Knutsford and you are invited to join the walk for all or part of the route.
Altrincham to Hale Meet at 10.00 at the bottom of the stairs on the bus station concourse at Altrincham Interchange.
Hale to Ashley Meet at 10:20 at the suggested meeting point is outside the Hale station entrance on the Manchester bound side. There’s a little car park/open space there.
Ashley to Mobberley Meet at 11:30 at the best meeting point is the small car park again on the Manchester side of the station.
Mobberley to Knutsford Meet 12.45 at the Station car park by Platform 2 Mobberley Station.
Click to Download Information Poster
Thursday 25th September
On Thursday 25 September the baton will be carried from Knutsford to Northwich and you are invited to join the walk for all or part of the route.
Knutsford to Plumley Meet at 10:00 Meeting point Road Bridge on Toft Road above Knutsford Station. This can be accessed from the steps on both platform sides.
Plumley to Lostock Gralam – Meet at 12:00 in the Plumley Station car Park on Manchester bound train side.
Lostock Gralam to Northwich – Meet at 13:20 in the Lostock Gralam station car park adjacent to Platform 2 (Chester bound) side.
Click to Download Information Poster
Friday 26th September
On Friday 26 September the baton will be carried from Northwich to Delamere and you are invited to join the walk for all or part of the route.
Northwich to Greenbank Stations Meet 10:15 at Northwich station car park.
Greenbank to Cuddington Stations Meet at 11:35 in the Greenbank Station Car park
Cuddington to Delamere stations Meet 13:00 Cuddington Station car park
Click to Download Information Poster
Saturday 27th September
On Saturday 27 September the baton will be carried from Delamere to Chester and you are invited to join the walk for all or part of the route.
Delamere to Mouldsworth Station Meet at 08:30 in the Delamere Station car park on the Chester bound platform (the side with the café)
Mouldsworth to Chester station Meet 10:30 in the Mouldsworth Station car park (opposite The Goshawk pub) at 10:30 am for estimated 16:45 arrival at Chester Station.
Click to Download Information Poster
More information about the Station to Station baton relay (including details of where the baton will be at other times of the week), and the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, can be found here
