Rowsley to Bakewell

Two of the biggest challenges to the reopening of the route north of Rowsley are to be found between Rowsley and Bakewell; the missing bridge over the A6 and Haddon Tunnel although the tunnel is still in existence.

Haddon Tunnel was built as a “cut and cover” tunnel to hide passenger trains from the Duke of Rutland, resident of Haddon Hall. The tunnel is 1,050 yards long. Refuge sidings for slow trains were provided just outside the tunnel.

©Stan Roberts Collection

Bakewell is the next station and was nominally “The Duke’s Station”.

Bakewell is still a major Peak District town, also famous for its puddings! Restoration of the railway to Bakewell could provide a solution to its summer traffic congestion.

The station buildings still largely survive, perched high above the town due to the alignment the railway was forced to take. This station could be particularly busy on the famous Agricultural Show day in August. A camping coach also used to be sited at the station. This latter saw service at Aberystwyth with the Vale of Rheidol Railway (static use!) until the 1980s.

Ridged canopies existed over the platforms and a goods shed and cattle dock were provided.

Today it is the southern terminus of the Monsal Trail.