Peak District: New battery-powered transport link could connect popular Derbyshire tourist hotspots

A scenic Derbyshire trail could be getting a new rail link as a community group campaign for ‘environmentally forward’ transport makes tracks.

The proposed rail link carrying a battery-powered vehicle would connect tourist hotspots in the Peak District.

It would run on a currently disused freight track from Buxton, along trails that are popular with hikers and cyclists. 

The Buxton Town Team would like to see an electric rail service to the Monsal Trail.

Future plans include extending to the Tissington Trail.

As reported by BBC, the team say the first steps would be carrying out a feasibility study which would cost in the region of £100,000 before any other plans can be put in place. 

Andy Parker from the Buxton Town Team said: "It is so positive from so many points of view.

"Environmentally, this is the way forward."

He added: "We want to get people out of cars and get them walking and cycling (on these trails)."

The Monsal Trail runs from Bakewell to Blackwell Mill near Topley Pike Quarry.

The team have reportedly sought advice from Network Rail about signalling and timelines when electric vehicles would be operational.

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Tina Heathcote from the Buxton Town Team said it would be hard to raise the amount needed for the study, but it would be money well spent.

Mrs Heathcote said her group had canvassed opinion from residents in Buxton several years ago.

Around 75% of those who took part said they wanted more convenient  ways of getting out into the countryside from the town.

What people think about potential Peak District electric vehicle

People took to social media to voice their opinion.

‘Blighting landscape’

Andrew Hill didn’t appear to be a fan as he said: ‘”Walking” and “cycling trails” being the operative here... We don't want or need these sorts of things to blight the landscape.’

‘Great idea that helps elderly and infirm’

Gordon Taylor didn’t think the proposed train link would be a problem. He said: ‘The Monsal, Tissington and High Peak trails only exist because they used to carry trains. I don't see how having a few electric vehicles would be a problem as they would partially restore them to their original use.’

Mr Taylor added: ‘These are a great idea. The Monsal trail has a sustained upward gradient going north to Buxton. Some older or infirm people can have a problem with it so it would be a great help to them. Even something as simple as a land train during the summer would be good. There used to be one that went up beside the big reservoirs but it doesn't run anymore.’