Stockport–Stalybridge line

The Stockport–Stalybridge line is a railway line in Greater Manchester, England, running north-east from Stockport to Stalybridge, via Guide Bridge. The line is used mainly by freight and empty stock workings, although it once had a frequent passenger service. In 1992, the service pattern reduced to a single weekly passenger train but, in 2018, this was increased to twice a week: one service in each direction on Saturday mornings. Services are operated by Northern, usually with a Class 150 diesel multiple unit. The line is intended to be electrified as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

This minimal service, termed a parliamentary train for historical reasons, avoids the official procedures of terminating a passenger service. The re-routeing of trans-Pennine express services from Leeds to Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria in May 1989 removed the main reason for its passenger service; passengers, who formerly used the Stalybridge–Stockport shuttle to avoid the need to change stations in Manchester, could travel via Manchester Piccadilly and change there instead. The service was reduced initially to five trains per day (three in one direction and two the other) but, by 1992, had been cut to its then-minimal level of one a week. The northern part of the route, from Guide Bridge to Stalybridge, is now used by the re-routed express services between Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly.

The scarcity of services on the line has led to it becoming popular with rail enthusiasts, as well as real ale connoisseurs visiting the station buffet at Stalybridge.

The line serves the following stations:

• Stockport
• Reddish South
• Denton
• Guide Bridge
• Stalybridge