Opened in 1849 and closed to passengers in 1967, the Matlock to Buxton line was a vital link to Manchester for the Midland Railway.

Criticised by John Ruskin for cutting through the dramatic gorges of the Derbyshire Peak District, it had stations designed by Paxton, creator of the Crystal Palace. Royal trains used the line, headed for nearby Chatsworth House, and in the sixties it carried the
Midland Pullman, then the fastest trains on the rail network.

After closure it saw new uses, partly as a heritage railway, with another section transformed into the Monsal Trail, a well-loved cycling and walking route.

G.P. Essex is a transport author and photographer. Find out more at www.randomrailways.com.