Marlow Donkey walking and rail trail (community project)

We're planning to highlight the story of the Marlow to Bourne End railway line, known as 'The Marlow Donkey'.

This small route had a big impact on the area, contributing to its history and development.

We're creating a beautifully-illustrated walking and rail trail, inspired by local voices and history.

We're using funding from GWR’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF) for the project.

We have been working closely with local community groups, including groups who address social needs to gather memories, stories, and creative responses to the railway and surrounding area.

Prize-winning poet Helen Powell and celebrated local illustrator and designer Nicola Metcalfe, have been leading the workshops, with Nicola also developing the final designs.

Ideas from the workshops are helping with the development of the look and feel of the illustrated trail and are being curated into a community collage.

The collage of Marlow Donkey stories will be exhibited at the following places:

• Week commencing 21 July 2025
  Exhibition at Marlow Library
• Week commencing 28 July and 4 August 2025
  Exhibition at Bourne End Community Library
• Week commencing 11 August 2025
  12 August - launch at Bourne End Station
  13 to 30 August - Marlow Museum

We're holding a launch event on 12 August from 11am to 1pm, as part of the National Railway 200 celebrations.

At the launch event, there will be:

• family-friendly activities
• bunting
• music
• free tea, cakes and soft drinks

Visit the Community Exhibition at the libraries and/or museum.

Come along for the unveiling at 11.30am on 12 August at Bourne End Station. Learn more about the heritage of your local branch line and follow the Marlow Donkey walking trail for yourself.