Peak Rail

In 1968 the railway between Matlock and Buxton through the Peak National Park was closed and lifted. This was once part of the Midland Railway's line between Manchester Central and London St.Pancras. In 1975 a group of enthusiasts formed the Peak Railway Society with the aim of re-opening the line. Initially a Steam Centre was opened at Buxton, attention later moved to the southern end of the line, where undergrowth was hacked away and rails reinstated. Services commenced between Matlock and Darley Dale in 1991. The northern extension to the site of the former Rowsley locomotive depot saw its first passenger trains in 1997, where further facilities are currently being developed.

Peak Rail run regular Steam and Diesel hauled heritage passenger trains between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley. A large car park at Rowsley makes it an ideal way to beat the traffic jams to get into Matlock. We also offer an on train dining service on selected trains, and footplate experience courses, where you can get your hands on a steam engines controls. Special events are featured at different times of the year, Santa Specials run through December.

www.peakrail.co.uk