Anyone who has tried to cycle from the end of the Monsal Trail into Buxton will know just how dangerous that narrow and windy stretch of the A6 can be, with a never-ending stream of cars and heavy lorries trying to overtake. And with no pavement for most of the way, it’s even more hazardous for anyone who dares to walk it.

But it would be a real benefit for local people, visitors and businesses if a way could be fond to connect the Trail with the town. Which is why recently announced plans from Buxton Town Team’s Sustainable Travel Group might provide an exciting solution.

The all-volunteer Group have been talking to a company that has developed a small electric train called a VLR (Very Light Rail) which could use the existing freight line that runs just a short distance from the end of the Trail.

Above: This map from the early 1900s shows all three railway lines, with the Railway Cottages in the centre. Click the ‘Now’ button – or drag the green slider – to compare with today’s satellite view.

The only track still operating is the freight line taking cement and lime from Tunstead Quarry through Buxton and onto the rail network. The plan would be to extend the Monsal Trail just a short distance further to a small platform beside the freight line. But although it sounds simple in principle, it presents significant problems.

The Sustainable Travel Group has gained support for the project from a wide range of organisations, including Network Rail. But they need to raise over £100,000 for a detailed feasibility study. And in the current political and economic climate, that’s proving very difficult to achieve.

Above: These small electric-powered VLR vehicles would be ideal for taking passengers (and bikes) from the end of the Trail into Buxton.

It’s estimated that the cost of creating the line would be between £1-2million. But if the feasibility study shows that the practical difficulties could be overcome, and that the project would provide significant business opportunities for Buxton, they believe raising the necessary funds should be possible.

Above: This photo from the 1950s was taken from close to the end of today’s Monsal Trail, not far from the photo at the top of the page. The steam engine on the right is carrying freight along the track from Tunstead, waiting for a signal to join the Miller’s Dale to Buxton line.

The small platform was for railway workers living in the nearby Railway Cottages (click for more on Blackwell Mill Halt). The proposed new LVR platform would be sited near to here, on the left.

As someone who lived in Buxton for many years, I think it’s a great shame that the project can’t move forward because money can’t be raised to fund a feasibility study.

The Monsal Trail is the most popular walking route in Britain’s most popular National Park. It would bring tremendous benefit to Buxton if users of the Trail could easily travel that short distance further to enjoy the many delights of this historic spa town.

Project update…

11.11.24. Click on the page to read an article updating the situation with the VLR project, published in the winter 2024 edition of Pure Peak magazine.

I think it’s a great shame that so many members of Buxton Town Team support the complete reinstatement of the line. I’m told it’s about 50% – which means that it’s proved impossible to concentrate all efforts in one direction.

The reinstatement of the line will never raise the estimated £2bn funding to complete the project, or gain permission from the Peak District National Park which owns the Trail and is very much opposed to it.

But the VLR link is completely feasible and could bring so many more visitors into both Buxton and Bakewell.