The Cromford and High Peak Railway.
Here Is The Route In Sun and Cloud
Myself and my friend Mr Storme (The Husky) woke up on Friday and went seeking out the Cromford & High Peak Railway.
Mr Storme understood that he had to be kept on a tight lead; as when we got onto the High Peak National Park there were rare Wading Birds nesting. Also that we should keep to the wild animal tracks; as it is very boggy up there.
We had already found part of the Abandoned Railway and use it as a circuit walk regularly in Burbage.
Now we were off to find the Burdage Tunnel. Part of the Railway is on Private farming land, so we walked up Bishops Lane and found a stairway up to the Park where the tunnel lays.
As we kept to the tracks we did not disturb the nesting Birds but did have the treat of seeing them on the walk. We marvelled at the breath taking view and went down a steep incline to find the disused tunnel. Closed up we paused to enjoy the scenery.
There was the Abandoned Rail Line that can take you to the lake or you can follow it to a great pub which does a fantastic Lunch. Alas Mr Storme and I were busy in the afternoon, but will take you there soon.
What's The History Of The Abandoned Railway Mr Charles?
Well it was going to be a canal, Josias Jessop completed a survey of the route and found it was unsuitable for a canal, but a railway would work.
In 1825 an act of parliament gave permission to build it and in 1831 it opened. Horse drawn to start with, then Steam Locomotives from 1841. Mostly for Cargo, in the 1850's it started to take passengers until a triadic accident saw some fellow killed on the Line in 1877 so it stuck to cargo until closing in 1892.
It cost £180,000 and over a hundred years later we can enjoy a good walk surrounded by beautiful countryside.
