Why does this section of the Cromford & High Peak Railway have two completely different routes through the Derbyshire countryside? In this episode we explore the evidence still visible today, uncovering how one of Britain’s earliest railways was later rebuilt to create a smoother, faster alignment while traces of the original 1830s route remain hidden alongside it.
Our journey begins at Parsley Hay before heading north towards Hurdlow along today’s High Peak Trail in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Using historic maps, drone footage and what’s left on the ground, we compare the original Cromford & High Peak Railway with the later London & North Western Railway (LNWR) deviations. You’ll see abandoned embankments, forgotten cuttings, surviving bridges and the subtle clues that reveal how Victorian engineers transformed this remarkable railway.
Originally conceived with canal-building principles in mind, the Cromford & High Peak Railway closely followed the natural contours of the landscape. As railway technology advanced and faster locomotives became the norm, many of its sharp curves were eased and sections were realigned. Nearly 200 years later, both generations of railway can still be traced across the Derbyshire landscape, creating a fascinating story of engineering evolution and transport geography.
If you enjoy exploring Britain’s lost railways, industrial heritage, transport history and the hidden landscapes that shaped the Industrial Revolution, I hope you’ll enjoy following this journey.
Can you spot any other places where the original railway still survives beside the later alignment? Let me know in the comments below.
About this series
The Cromford & High Peak Railway – The Complete Journey follows the entire route of one of Britain’s most remarkable early railways, from High Peak Junction at Cromford Canal to Whaley Bridge and the Peak Forest Canal. Across the series we explore forgotten inclines, tunnels, quarries, engine houses and hidden industrial archaeology, uncovering the stories behind one of the world’s earliest railways.
#CromfordAndHighPeakRailway #HighPeakTrail #PeakDistrict #LostRailways #RailwayHistory #IndustrialHeritage #TransportHistory #LNWR #Derbyshire #localhistory
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11 Comments
Thanks paul, for braving that awful weather! 😮❤
Thanks
Thanks
Was there on April 30th 1967 when the last train ran (my 22nd birthday!). Like the drone shots. Did you see the notice some way South of Minninglow which stated that horses for the Great War were loaded onto the trains. Don't know if it's still there. Be sure to have a look at the triangular head shunt on the original course of the line, West of and close to the south portal of Hindlow Tunnel. Triangular layout like the American "Y" system. Thought to be for keeping end tipping trucks in the right orientation for the different facing inclines.
You should have tried it on Boxing Day 1963 when 4 of us set off from Buxton Station after waiting an hour for the train a diesel railcar to set off due to the snow. We travelled through tunnels and bridges with the train breaking huge icicles. After heading up Long Hill we decided that the snow was too heavy to continue our original walk route. At the top we turned left to drop down the High Peak and Cromford alignment inadvertently crossing a small frozen pond! Even heavier snow made uo choose to walk through the tunnel. Fortunately, the door was unlocked, we had no lights and just hoped that the opposite end would be open. For what seemed forever we stumbled around and over fallen masonry from the roof. Fortunately, the opposite end was open. We headed back to the station to find the same train still sitting with its engine running, they daren’t stop it. It was the only train in ir out of Buxton that day and there were no others for several days after!
Like you say the first design principle for the route was as a canal. First locos after horses would have been two axle for the tight corners. However for speed and stability 3 axle locos would start to be used requiring larger radius curves and a smoother alignment. I think a part LNWR express ran Buxton to London via Ashbourne and Rugby coaches added at key stations, So an average about 60 mph would be the minimum expected?
Thank you for the walking tour this day. Thanks again in conjunction with the weather. Enjoy your rest of the weekend, and see you on the next, Paul. 😊😊
Great video Paul, pure dedication doing it in that weather! You need to check out Rosedale branch
Another great one Paul keep up the great work enjoyed it once again.
Walked the whole length about 25 years ago, Cromford to Whaley Bridge staying at the Bull i’Thorn pub (sadly no more).
Excellent again 👌