Many theories have been proposed for the mysterious, mile-long earthwork between Watford and Longhill Farms. Was it for a large gun, a railway test track, or perhaps an abandoned turnpike extension?
Topic tags: Railways...
Railway mania part II
In this second part of Alan Robert’s article on railways through the Goyt Valley, he explains how the attempts to improve the Cromford & High Peak Railway by avoiding the steep inclines ended in failure.
Railway mania part I
In the first of a two-part post, local historian Alan Roberts explains how a railway line proposed in 1846 between Manchester and Matlock would have cut right through the hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge.
Exiting Burbage Tunnel
Thanks to the internet, social media and digital wizardry, we’ve transformed a poor-quality photocopy image of a train exiting Burbage Tunnel into something resembling the original painting.
The line that never was
A 1941 press clipping explains that Samuel Grimshawe once blocked plans to create a railway through the Goyt Valley. But since it would have passed through Errwood Hall, it’s perhaps not surprising!
Sandy Lane gateposts
A couple of sturdy stone gateposts near the top of Old Goyt’s Lane once guarded access onto the track of the Bunsall Incline; the steep slope that today forms the main route into the valley.
Over the hills
An inquest into a fatal accident on the Cromford & High Peak Railway in 1877 ruled that passengers could no longer be carried on the line. A writer describes one of the last journeys, riding on the ‘Fly’.
Ladmanlow station
A recent book on the Cromford & High Peak Railway, which once ran through the Goyt Valley, includes a couple of photos of Ladmanlow Station, on the outskirts of Buxton. But does anything remain?
Buxton’s railways
The arrival of the railways to Buxton in 1863 meant that increasing numbers of visitors could enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Goyt Valley. But it was a story of mixed fortunes for Paxton’s twin stations.
C&HPR photo: where is it?
Trying to pinpoint the position of a section the C&HP Railway shown in an old photo posed a bit of a mystery. We think it might show a rare view of the track as it heads towards the valley.
Fatal accident on the C&HPR
A collision between two trains on the Cromford & High Peak Railway left one man dead and the other seriously injured. It also spelled the end of passengers being taken along the route.
The High Peak Railway (1880)
The Cromford & High Peak Railway ran through the Goyt Valley from 1831 to 1892. Mike has discovered a fascinating report from the Victorian writer, Strephon, of a trip along the entire route.