Part 6 - Visitor attractions in the white Peak of Derbyshire
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There is no better way of appreciating the wildness of this part of Derbyshire than with a visit to the C&HPR track. Derbyshire dry stone walls abound and there are many other areas of interest along or near the track, which have not been mentioned above. These include: Cromford canal - Tour on a barge and visit the renovated Arkwright mill. Visit the base of the C&HPR at Cromford Wharf where a video of the operation of the incline can be seen. See the antiquity site at Arbor Low (13), near Parsley Hay. Hartington (14) - Visit the picturesque village and the cheese factory. Tissington (15) - The best of the Derbyshire well dressings is held here annually (see picture, left). Six wells are dressed and a service is held on Ascension Day. Of course the Tissington trail from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay is well worth a visit, with many picnic sites. |
Carsington Water Reservoir (16) - with visitor centre and various activities.
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Dove Dale (17) - Walk in one of the most beautiful and scenic areas of Britain, cross the Dove on the well known stepping stones, and if you have enough energy, climb to the top of Thorp Cloud.
Peak Railway, Matlock (18) - The track is part of the former Midland main line - from Matlock to Rowsley, just a short distance from where this line joined the C&HPR at Cromford. This preserved line includes operation of industrial 0-6-0 saddletank steam locomotives that in recent times have been painted to look like the last 2 engines on the C&HPR, 68006 and 68012. |
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Foxfield Railway, Blithe Bridge Staffordshire - Although not close to the C&HPR this preserved line operates small industrial locomotives and on special occasions runs demonstration freight trains out of a colliery up a bank with an incline of 1 in 19, and gives a good idea of the sights and sounds of action that it was my privilege to experience on the C&HPR at Hopton. |