High Peak Trail
An 18-mile long-distance walk in the Peak District National Park following the route of the disused Cromford and High Peak Railway line. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Start: High Peak Junction
Grid Ref: SK 313 559
Distance: 18 miles (29 km)
Grid Ref: SK 313 559
Distance: 18 miles (29 km)
Climbing: 607 metres
Time: 6–8 hours
Duration: 1 day
Time: 6–8 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
OL24 The Peak District – White Peak Area
Summary
The High Peak Trail is a 17.5-mile trail running from High Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton. The route follows the path of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway — one of the world’s first long-distance railway lines, built between 1825 and 1830. Many important railway buildings and features can still be seen along the walk, including High Peak Junction Workshops, Middleton Top Engine House, Hopton Tunnel, and Hopton Incline.