Follow the Donkey: By rail and on foot

The project, ‘Follow the Donkey’, celebrates the heritage and local environment of the Marlow/Bourne End railway line - which is affectionately known by locals as the Marlow Donkey.

With funding from Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Customer and Community Improvement Fund and supported by Buckinghamshire Council’s Culture Development Team, the scheme has worked with community partners and groups to explore and celebrate the history of the railway, whilst promoting a popular riverside walking trail which links the stations.

Earlier this summer, creative workshops were held with community groups and local residents to explore the story of the Marlow Donkey, strengthen community connections, and contribute to a local exhibition. These workshops also helped shape the design of the walking trail information and heritage boards.

The trail and heritage boards were unveiled by the Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council today (12 August) with a celebration at Bourne End station, where there were family-friendly activities, provided by Marlow Museum and Wooburn & Bourne End Parish Council, along with history talks and complementary refreshments.

The artwork and poetry produced at the community workshops have been curated into a colourful collage which has been on display at Marlow and Bourne End libraries and will be moving to Marlow Museum following the launch event.

Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, said:

“We’re truly thankful to Great Western Railway for their generous support of this initiative. The Marlow Donkey railway line has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and development of the local communities over the years. It’s more than just a transport link – it’s a thread that connects generations, stories, and places.

“This project is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover and celebrate that legacy. By encouraging people to explore the walking trail and engage with the railway’s history, we’re helping to foster a deeper connection with our local environment and heritage. It’s especially exciting to see younger generations getting involved and learning about the impact the railway has had on Bourne End and Marlow.

“The trail’s launch today (12 August) at Bourne End station is also a fitting way to mark Railway 200, a national celebration of 200 years of railway history.”

Emma Morris, Great Western Railway Senior Community Impact Manager, added:

“The launch of the Marlow Donkey walking trail is a perfect example of a project working to bring more visitors to the area, promote the beauty of the destinations that we serve, and support the communities within them.”

“We’re proud to be able to support this through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund and partner with Buckinghamshire Council to celebrate the heritage of the railway in its 200th year in a unique way that encourages exploration and wellbeing.

“Keeping our communities prospering is at the heart of what we do. The trail encourages connection — with our history, our landscape, and each other.”

For more information visit the Marlow Donkey walking and rail trail (community project) webpage.