High Peak Junction Workshop

High Peak Junction Workshop is one of the most atmospheric industrial heritage sites in Derbyshire, set at the meeting point of the Cromford Canal and the pioneering Cromford & High Peak Railway. Built between 1826 and 1830, these workshops are among the oldest surviving railway maintenance buildings in the world, originally supporting a railway that relied on rope‑hauled wagons pulled up steep inclines rather than early locomotives. Inside, visitors can explore the blacksmith’s forge, the fitting shop and the drill shed, all preserved with their original benches, tools and ironwork. You can see fish‑bellied rails, wagon components and inspection pits that reveal how engineers kept the line running through harsh winters and heavy industrial use. The site’s volunteers often demonstrate traditional metalworking, bringing the clang and glow of the forge back to life. The workshop stands at the start of the High Peak Trail, making it a perfect stop for walkers and cyclists. Nearby, the Leawood Pump House—an impressive 1849 steam‑powered beam engine—operates on selected days, offering a dramatic look at Victorian engineering. Combined with the tranquil Cromford Canal and its wildlife, High Peak Junction offers a rich blend of industrial history and scenic exploration.