Marple Railway Station

Friends of Marple Station was formed in 2014, inspired by the nearby ‘Friends of Rose Hill Station’ group. It adopted a tiger that had been painted on a cabin in the car park as a mascot and improves the station and campaigns for better services and waiting areas.

FoMS maintains attractive planters and a small garden. It has an excellent display of art on the platform that ranges from Agatha Christie book covers (celebrating the Miss Marple link) to panels explaining the remarkable women of Marple. The waiting room hosts changing exhibitions from local schools and community groups. In 2021/22 displays included new Poetry from the Marple Writers Group, artwork from Marple Hall School students, winners from a photo competition and even a celebration of National Squirrel Day.

FoMS has campaigned to replace the leaky waiting room, lobbies to improve services, organises events (such as an annual carol service) and conducts passenger counts and surveys to make sure it can accurately represent passengers. Members (no fee) meet regularly for a chat and to plan work, usually the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the community owned Northumberland Arms, Marple Bridge. Monthly workdays are usually on Saturday mornings. Contact friendsofmarplestation@gmail.com for more information.

Marple Station opened in 1865 and at one time had four platforms, forty staff and direct trains to London. Now the elaborate canopies and buildings are gone, but the two fully-accessible platforms are an ideal base for exploring the network of canals, the Goyt Valley and historic Marple and Marple Bridge. FoMS published a booklet in 2021 with ten glorious walks for all ages and abilities in our wonderful countryside. Please contact the group for a copy or a pdf.

From Marple station, Etherow Country Park is a five minute bus ride (routes 383/4) or 20 minute walk down the hill. It is a pretty area of lakes, woodland, rivers and wildlife with plenty of marked walks. There is a year-round café and toilet, lots of ducks to feed and is suitable for everyone, particularly for children.

For general information about what’s on in and around Marple visit Marple’s own web site

Guides Launched for Summer Days Out In Stockport

A new guide has been launched for summer 2022 for days out in Stockport, with a Marple Guide being available to download from the One Stockport website:  One Stockport: Marple Days Out Guide