A short walk exploring the story of the High Peak Trail
The Peak District abounds with former railways now converted into scenic walking and cycling trails. The former Cromford and High Peak Railway, now the High Peak Trail, is one of the best.
But what led anyone to attempt such a difficult feat of construction, over a thousand feet above sea level?
This trail explores the reasons and uncovers signs of other transport routes over the White Peak plateau.
From the car park, set off east on the High Peak Trail by crossing the narrow tarmac lane. Walk with care over the low-walled embankment, keeping dogs on leads. Stop just past the embankment.
This trail was originally developed by Simon Corble for the Royal Geographical Society’s Discovering Britain.
Simon Corble is a theatre director, playwright and actor based in Derbyshire’s Peak District, is passionate about the countryside and discovering the hidden secrets of the natural world.
Thanks are also due to Ben Brooksbank and David A Hull for photographs reproduced under Creative Commons Licenses