Walking and rail trail celebrating Marlow Donkey launches at Bourne End station

An illustrated walking and rail trail bringing local history to life in Marlow and Bourne End has launched this week.

‘Follow the Donkey’ celebrates the heritage and environment of the Marlow/Bourne End railway line – affectionately known as the Marlow Donkey by residents.

By working with community partners and groups, the project celebrates the history of the railway while promoting a popular riverside walking trail which links the stations.

It also received funding from Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund and support from Buckinghamshire Council’s Culture Development Team.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Peter Brazier, 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.”

Creative workshops were held with community groups and residents this summer to gather memories, stories, and responses for an exhibition of the Marlow Donkey.

Poet Helen Powell and illustrator and designer Nicola Metcalfe led the workshops to shape the design of the walking trail information and heritage boards, with Nicola also developing the final designs.

The trail and heritage boards inspired by local voices and history were unveiled on Tuesday at a celebration at Bourne End station by the Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council.

Family-friendly activities were provided by Marlow Museum and Wooburn and Bourne End Parish Council, along with music, history talks and complementary refreshments.

“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,” said Cllr Brazier.

“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 (Tuesday) at Bourne End station is also a fitting way to mark Railway 200, a national celebration of 200 years of railway history.”

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 since July.

After the launch event at Bourne End Station, this will move to Marlow Museum between August 13 and 30.

Great Western Railway Senior Community Impact Manager, Emma Morris, said they were ‘proud’ to support the scheme and partner with Buckinghamshire Council to celebrate the heritage of the railway in its 200th year.

Railway 200 is a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway featuring a variety of events involving rail groups.

Emma Morris 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.

“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 www.tinyurl.com/5n87st2r