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Home / 2017 / Peak Forest Tramway - April/May 2017 46

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Phhotos of the Peak Forest Tramway in Derbyshire. This ran for about 5 miles from Bugsworth Basin (the upper terminus of the Peak Forest Canal) to quarries at Dove Holes and Peak Dale. It was open from 1796 to the 1920s and was built by Benjamin Outram to 4 ft 2 in (1270 mm) gauge; the track was formed of stone block sleepers and cast iron L-shaped rails. It was always horse drawn except for the steep inclined plane in Chapel-en-le-Frith which was self-acting, not powered.
Much of the route is walkable, particularly the lower section from Chapel Milton to Bugsworth. Getting around the non-accessible sections meant that I walked about 10 miles in total, from Peak Dale (bus from Buxton) to Whaley Bridge. All photos were taken by myself from public land or public footpaths.
There is plenty to see, particularly the stone sleeper blocks still in situ in so many places after all these years.