Trackwork for Tomorrow
13 February 2026
Investing in the railway's future - Our Track Gang doing Winter works!
Since January 2026, volunteers at Groudle Glen Railway have been undertaking another ambitious permanent-way project : a major track relay from Blue Lagoon deep in the glen right up to the top of the hill below Lime Kiln Halt. Working as part of the railway’s dedicated track gang, volunteers have methodically dismantled the life-expired track, lifting old rails and sleepers before digging out the worn trackbed beneath. This demanding groundwork has paved the way for a completely renewed formation designed to secure the long-term future of the line.
The scale of the work has been immense for our small team. New recycled plastic sleepers; each costing around £120 before bolts, fittings, rails, and ballast are even considered; have been carefully installed, followed by the reconstruction of the track itself. More than 40 tonnes of ballast have been barrowed, shovelled, levelled, and packed entirely by hand, before the rails were aligned and the track meticulously tamped to achieve the correct levels and geometry. It is tough, physical work, made all the more challenging by the Manx weather, yet the track gang turns out weekend after weekend regardless of rain, wind, or cold, driven by pride, commitment, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
The railway is profoundly grateful to everyone involved in this project, and extends particular thanks to the Scheinberg Family, whose generous support has been instrumental in making this renewal possible and in safeguarding the sustainability of this much-loved railway. Projects of this scale are expensive, but they are essential if the Groudle Glen Railway is to continue operating safely for future generations.
New volunteers are always welcome to join the track gang and experience the teamwork and satisfaction that comes with maintaining a living piece of heritage.
Those who are able to donate, or who may wish to leave the railway a legacy, are warmly encouraged to get in touch or support the project through online donations: every contribution helps keep this little railway alive.
As winter settled over the Isle of Man, the 2025 Santa Trains returned to the Groudle Glen Railway, delighting families with a beloved holiday tradition that has been part of the line’s calendar since the 1980s. Running on selected Saturdays and Sundays in mid-December, these festive services saw heritage steam trains departing throughout the day from Lhen Coan, their carriages decked with seasonal lights and decorations. Young passengers and their families boarded with anticipation, travelling through the atmospheric glen to North Pole Halt, where Santa Claus awaited with gifts and hearty festive cheer. With tickets selling briskly and online pre-booking essential, the event offered a joyful mix of classic steam railway charm and Christmas magic that kept queues moving and spirits bright. Alongside the Santa Trains, the Groudle Glen Railway also hosted its traditional Mince Pie Trains on Boxing Day, providing a relaxed post-Christmas celebration for locals and visitors alike. Running from late morning into the afternoon, these services combined the simple pleasure of a steam journey through the glen with seasonal refreshments, including hot drinks and classic mince pies, in the convivial setting of the railway’s festive carriages. Volunteers and staff embraced the spirit of the season throughout both events, helping to make the railway’s historic locomotives and cosy atmosphere a focal point for family outings and holiday memories. Through both the Santa and Mince Pie Trains, the railway once again demonstrated its ability to blend heritage transport with community celebration, drawing enthusiasts and families to experience the sights, sounds and scents of steam in an unforgettable festive setting. From the cheerful calls of “All aboard!” to the final whistle of the season’s last run, the 2025 holiday services upheld a warm Manx tradition that continues to grow in popularity each year.
The 2025 Not So Scary Hop Tu Naa Trains at Groudle Glen Railway once again proved to be a highlight of the Manx autumn calendar, welcoming families for a gentle, child-friendly introduction to the island’s traditional Hop Tu Naa celebrations. Running on selected evenings in late October, the event transformed the historic Groudle Glen Railway into a warmly lit woodland adventure, with pumpkin lanterns, autumn decorations, and subtle spooky touches that delighted younger visitors without any frights. Staff and volunteers embraced the spirit of the season, creating an atmosphere that balanced heritage, folklore, and family fun. Families boarding the trains at Broomstick Halt experienced more than just a ride through Groudle Glen. Children were encouraged to dress up, visit Jinny the Witch to receive a spooky gift, and enjoy naughty but nice refreshments, while parents appreciated the relaxed pace and nostalgic charm of the railway after dark. The journey through the glen, illuminated by soft lighting and some larger than life spooky friends of Jinny, offered a rare evening perspective on one of the island’s best-loved attractions, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Hauling the Hop Tu Naa services were the railway’s much-loved heritage locomotives Sea Lion, Brown Bear and Otter, presented in immaculate condition and adding to the sense of stepping back in time. As with previous years, the 2025 Not So Scary Hop Tu Naa Trains reinforced the Groudle Glen Railway’s reputation for delivering imaginative events that respect tradition while creating lasting memories for a new generation of visitors.
On Sunday 10 August 2025, Groudle Glen Railway hosted its beloved Cliff Top Concerts, offering a day of free live music that harmonised perfectly with the stunning cliff‑top backdrop of Sea Lion Rocks Tea Rooms From 11 am to 4:30 pm, visitors were treated to an enchanting sequence of performances by talented Manx musicians. The lineup included Jeff Jepson (11–11:45 am), Simon & Jeff of Truman Falls (11:45 am–12:30 pm), Sambamann (12:30–1 pm), Rushen Silver Band (1:15–2 pm), The Reveillettes (2–2:45 pm), and the energetic THE SHENANNIGANS BANNED closing the concert at 3–4 pm True to Groudle’s welcoming tradition, trains ran throughout the day, hauled by both Sea Lion and Otter, bringing guests to the Tea Rooms—though prebooking was optional, allowing spontaneous visits as well as planned trips. The combination of live music and the gentle clatter of heritage steam created a uniquely immersive experience that delighted families and music lovers alike. Attendees also shared their delight online, calling it “What an afternoon! Stunning scenes, wonderful music, lovingly restored Victorian steam railway… What’s not to love?” This year’s Cliff Top Concerts continued a proud tradition: a heartfelt celebration of local musical talent set against the natural beauty and nostalgia of the Groudle Glen Railway. The event not only offered entertainment but also reinforced the railway’s community spirit and commitment to preserving Manx heritage in creative ways. Whether visitors came for the music, the train ride, or simply the ambiance, the day resonated long after the final note faded on the cliffs.
