Marple railway station serves the town of Marple and is a stop on the Hope Valley line, 9 miles south-east of Manchester. It is one of two that serves this area, the other being Rose Hill (Marple).
The station opened in 1865 and has two fully-accessible platforms, a staffed ticketing office and a waiting room. It serves the eastern edge of Marple, close to Marple Bridge.
There is a useful community website for information about Marple, which has many attractions for day-trippers including the 16-lock flight – one of the steepest in the country – and the Marple viaduct. Go slightly further afield to enjoy Etherow Country Park is a (5-min bus ride on 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.
The station is cared for by Friends of Marple Station, formed in 2014, inspired by the nearby ‘Friends of Rose Hill Station’ group. As a mascot, the group ‘adopted’ the tiger that was painted on a cabin in the car park. The group works to improve the station and campaigns for better services and waiting areas. They also arrange events and maintain a small garden. The group has produced a guide for lovely walks in the area – contact the group to be sent a copy. They also welcome new members; contact friendsofmarplestation@gmail.com for more information.
Guides for days out in Stockport, including a Marple guide, is available to download from the One Stockport website: One Stockport: Marple Days Out Guide