The beautiful upland scenery of the Derbyshire Peak presented a formidable obstacle to canal and railway engineers seeking to link the East Midlands with Lancashire and the Mersey.  As a result, the area is rich in transport geography and engineering and full of dramatic examples of industrial archaeology, some preserved or awaiting restoration.

This lecture surveys the challenges faced by the builders of the Cromford Canal, the Peak Forest Canal & Tramroad, the Cromford & High Peak Railway and the Midland Railway line from Derby to Manchester.

For background information about this topic please click here.