High Peak Junction Workshops

The Cromford & High Peak Railway (C&HPR) was completed in 1831, to carry minerals and goods between the Cromford Canal at Cromford Wharf and the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge, thus linking the East Midlands to the developing industries of the North West before the main line railways were built. Josia Jessop, the son of William Jessop, was asked to survey the route. He, his father and their former partner Benjamin Outram had gained wide experience in building tramways where conditions were unsuitable for canals. It was laid out with level sections connected by nine steep rope-worked inclines.

Much of the line has now been converted into a walking and cycling trail, whilst the workshops alongside the Cromford Canal at High Peak Junction, which can be visited, are the oldest surviving railway workshops on the world.

More information can be found here http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/countryside-sites/country-parks-and-visitor-centres/high-peak-junction-visitor-centre.aspx

Railway workshop forge days

Have-a-go at being a blacksmith on the historic forge and make a poker or toasting fork to take home and keep.

Participants must be 11+ years old. From 1030am to 4pm.

Cost: £20 per poker or toasting fork. To secure your 30 minute slot, booking is essential, telephone: 01629 533298

Sat 21st Feb
Sun 15th March
Sat 28th March
Wed 8th April
Sun 12th April
Wed 15th April
Sun 10th May
Wed 27th May
Wed 10 June
Sat 13th June
Sat 20th June
Wed 15th July
Wed 29th July
Wed 5th August
Wed 12th August
Wed 19th August
Wed 26th August
Sat 12th Sept
Wed 23rd Sept
Wed 14th Oct
Wed 28th Oct
Sun 15th Nov
Sun 13th Dec
Sun 27th Dec
Mon 28th Dec
Sun 31st Jan 2027
Sun 21st Feb 2027
Sun 14th March 2027
Sun 28th March 2027

Meet at: High Peak Junction Visitor Centre, DE4 5AA (signposted from the A6 at Cromford).

Parking charges apply. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Join us for a unique opportunity to learn basic blacksmithing techniques in the oldest railway workshop in the world!

Our enthusiast blacksmiths will walk you through the creation of a simple metalworking object: such as a BBQ fork, fire poker, or coat hook.