ABOUT PEAK RAIL
In a Matlock pub in 1975, a group of railway enthusiasts had a vision of re-opening the section of the line from Matlock to Buxton. The Peak Railway Society was formed and established a Steam Centre on the site of the former Buxton Midland station, operating shuttle services along the 300 yards of track between 1984 and 1987. This put Peak Rail's name on the map, but it was 1988 before the local planning authorities were finally convinced that the scheme to re-open the line was credible.
Only then could the massive task of clearing 20 years of dereliction between Darley Dale and Matlock begin, reclaiming the track bed from undergrowth, repairing bridges (particularly that over the River Derwent near Matlock), and installing a level crossing at Darley Dale. An enormous effort by the dedicated group of volunteers and small number of full-time staff was required to rebuild the Railway to the requirements of the Railway Inspectorate for running public services, the station building at Darley Dale converted into a shop and buffet and new toilet block built.
The reward for all this work was the first public train at the end of December 1991, a push-pull service from Darley Dale over a mile of track towards Matlock. A temporary platform, Matlock Riverside, was built just south of the River Derwent and full operation over the two miles from Darley Dale was formally inaugurated by the Duke of Devonshire in May 1992. During 1996, the final stages of the 2 mile extension to Rowsley South were completed. Development at Rowsley continues a pace, an engine shed is under construction and enthusiastic teams are rebuilding the old turntable and installing a narrow gauge railway, a pleasant picnic area further enhances the attraction of the site. In July 2000 Peak Rail played host to the world famous loco "The Flying Scotsman", the 9-day event was a tremendous success, attracting over 20,000 visitors.
A major redevelopment around the 'BR' Station at Matlock hopefully will commence in the not too distant future and, after successful negotiations, Peak Rail will be able to operate from this station, sharing it with Central Trains.
To find out more about what is going on at Peak Rail, timetables and Special Events etc, please visit our website at www.peakrail.co.uk