Dean Forest Railway


The Dean Forest Railway is a long heritage railway that runs between Lydney and Parkend in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England.
The route was part of the former Severn and Wye Railway which ran from Lydney to Cinderford. The society that operates the line started steam locomotive operations in 1971, and bought the trackbed and line from British Rail in 1986, reaching Lydney Junction in 1995 and Parkend in 2005. Trains are operated by both steam and heritage diesel locomotives, and heritage diesel multiple units.
The Dean Forest Railway has been given the former Panteg and Griffithstown railway station building. Its removal was completed in June 2016, and is expected to be placed at the new upcoming Speech House Road.
The Dean Forest Railway plans to extend its heritage services a further through/into the middle of the Royal Forest at Speech House Road, bringing the line to a total of about in length. In 2016, DFR's director of civil engineering and director of development Jason Shirley announced plans to expand the railway to Cinderford. The project's status as a strategic regional development means that a large proportion of the estimated £8million cost could be met by Government funding. As of 2025, progress has been slow, with the extension being delayed by a proposal for a new level crossing at Travellers Rest that requires the permission of the Office of Rail and Road.
WWW Official Site

Stations and junctions of the DFR

Closed

Proposed future extension

Accidents and incidents

In August 2007, a volunteer who was opening a level crossing gate was badly injured when a train going at an excessive speed struck the gate. Underlying factors included inexperienced train crew and faulty equipment.
In March 2020, a wagon that was awaiting restoration was set on fire at St. Mary's.
In August 2025, a 19th century footbridge at St. Mary's was brought down by a digger that was being transported by a train. The digger had been inadequately stowed by an inexperienced volunteer.

Locomotives

Visiting diesel locomotives and multiple units

For the 2001 diesel gala a number of diesel were display at Lydney Junction. These were
37029,37308,37906, D172, 47306, 56111, 60081, 66250 and 66524.

Coaches

The main running set is a mix of BR Mark 1 and 2 stock. Two Mark 2 carriages were purchased by the DFR Society in 2018 so that the Mark 1s could be overhauled. In early 2020, all the Mark 1 and 2s were transferred ownership from the Forest of Dean Railway limited company to the DFR society, including XP64 number 4729. In 2025 Mark 1 SO w4786 hired in from the Churnet Valley Railway

Ex coaching stock

Coach type codes

Wagons

There are lots different types of wagons at the DFR. Some are used for display and other for engineering works. Many of the wagons can be seen in sidings along the line. There are rakes of Dogfish ballast wagons, VEA Vans and TTA tank wagons.