Work is coming on well on the  ‘greenway trail’ on  Shallcross incline in Whaley Bridge.  The site of the pioneering industrial rail service  the Cromord and High Peak Railway s expected to be opened in its new form  in November,  giving off-road access to walkers,  horse riders and cyclists (but not motor cyclists).

Looking uphill - the hard surface path under autumn trees

Local children have already been eyeing up the greenway, imagining it as a sledging trail – a sort of ‘Cresta Run’.

The greenway is nearly 600 yards long, running from  Shallcross Mill Road, near the local Scout hut, on an uphill, tree-lined route to Shallcross Road. 

The work, being done by Derbyshire county council staff and contracters, has  followed a long period of planning, appeal and consultation processes.  The greenway now has a hard surface path, just less than three yards wide, with banked up soil and a variety of natural plant growth each side.   An arbour of trees covers most of its length.