Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail

Hope Valley's first Art Trail by Rail

Hop aboard for the Hope Valley Art Trail by Rail—a one-of-a-kind celebration of sustainable travel, local creativity, and the stunning Hope Valley! Timed to mark 200 years of the modern railway, this event invites you to explore a specially curated art trail by train, bus, and on foot.

Join us on Saturday 27th September for a day of inspiration, connection, and low-carbon adventure through the heart of the Peak District.

Saturday 27th September - what’s happening on the day

Event Highlights:

• On the day Collect your map at one of the train stations from Edale to Grindleford or at an Artist Venue.
• Take your pick from the many open art studios and exhibitions through the Hope Valley, exploring local art creations and demonstrations.
• Sign up to one of our free activities including sketching, mixed collage and a clay workshop.
• Submit your entry in our Art Competition: Collect your stamped paper at one of the stations and hand a finished piece at any of the venues. The theme is 'Connections to the Railway'. Prizes for Adult and Child submissions include a free family return ticket anywhere on the Northern Railway. A local adventure!
  

Further Details - Artist Venues and Events

To help plan your day below is a summary of the activities and events taking place along the trail village by village. Local Artists will be exhibiting, selling and also offering demonstrations and tasters of their art.

Grindleford

Open studios and venues:

• Grindleford Padley Chapel:
  - Sleeper Stories workshop led by Wendy Butler
• Padley Mill Cottage, Padley:
  - Brigitte Soltau: Hand-built sculptural ceramics and vessels
  - Jon Gardner: Crafts small buoy-inspired sculptures symbolizing resilience.
  - Anton Canwell: Wheel-thrown tableware with layered glazes.
• 1 midland cottages, upper Padley:
  - Maggie Norman: Abstract landscape paintings supporting asylum seekers
  - Sarah Cook: Stoneware sculptures and lamps inspired by local rock formations
  - Anwen Fryer: Jewellery made from mudlarked Derwent pottery and gemstones

Events and Activities:

• Free clay workshop: Join local artist Brigitte Soltau and make your own Autumn Leaf Tile and hanging. Admission is free but booking a spot is encouraged as spaces are limited. Book your place here.
• Padley Chapel Open Day: Explore the 14th Century Chapel rich in local history. Opened especially for the day by local volunteers.
• Sleeper Stories Art Activity: Join Artist Wendy Butler at the Padley Chapel and explore connections to the railway through mixed media and collage

Hathersage

Open studios and venues:

• Hathersage Methodist:
  - Mary Pettit: Semi-abstract Hope Valley art and jewellery
  - Lisa Harris: Colourful pieces of Tiffany style stained glass art
  - Theo Rogers: Acrylic seascapes and landscapes
  - Karen Perkins: Local inspired drawings and paintings
  - Emily Gait: Pen and ink illustrations of local adventures
• The Old School House:
  - Becky Pytches: Painted landscapes capturing emotion, movement, and nature.
  - Kay Ford: unique, handcrafted ceramics from durable stoneware clay.
  Events and Activities:
• Sketching at the station: Join Artist Karen Perkins for a sketching session. Art materials provided.

Bamford

Open studios and venues:

• Hope Valley Garden Centre:
  - Lee Waterman: Handmade pottery and offers workshops and demonstrations.
  - Mike Spoor: landscape-inspired ceramics using experimental techniques
  
  Events and Activities:
• Pottery Demonstrations: Both Mike and Lee are offering free pottery demonstrations throughout the day. Watch their work in action and if you’re interested you can sign up to a lesson for the future.
• Crafts at The Wild Kettle Cafe: Enjoy a coffee and homemade cake while browsing some more local arts and crafts.

Hope
Open studios and venues:

• 2 Castleton Road:
  - Sarah J Cooper: Dramatic skies and seascapes in oils
  
  Events and Activities:
• Crafts at Cafe Adventure: Cafe Adventure hosts several artists and available works include greeting cards, badges, postcards and pottery. Pop in for a coffee and browse for some local gifts.

Castleton
Open studios and venues:

• Tor View, Buxton Road
  - Jayne Hatt: Wheel-thrown stoneware with food-safe glazes; demos available.

Edale
Events and Activities:

• Penny Pot Cafe: Pop into the cosy Penny pot for a refreshment and browse the vibrant greeting cards from familiar locations by local artists.

Refreshments and facilities will be available throughout the trail and will be highlighted on the illustrated map provided. For further details on the Artists and examples of their work please visit our website.