The Branch to Matlock
At Ambergate, the line leaves the Midland Main line and travels to Matlock Bank, with branch line trains from Derby to Matlock still operating over this stretch. Ambergate was formerly a triangular junction, but is now reduced to the southern chord. Whatstandwell is the first station, and is still open for passengers on trains from Derby, though the original buildings have been demolished. At Cromford, the next stop, the original buildings, footbridge, and famous waiting room with pointed clock tower still survive. This village is also home of the wharf on the Cromford canal, and the Leawood pumping engine, built to top up the canal with water from the River Derwent. The station at the famous spa town of Matlock Bath is still extant also, and perches at the side of the River Derwent, with high cliffs, and a cable car system above it. The buildings are different from the architecture used for on rest of the line, perhaps in keeping with Matlock Bath's image as a 'Little Switzerland'.
The last station of the branch is Matlock Bank. Peak Rail occupy some of the buildings here, which include a comprehensively stocked bookshop. Peak Rail services start from Matlock Riverside station at present, a short walk away...
Matlock Riverside
Peak Rail's temporary terminus. The wooden platforms in use at present were used initially at Peak Rail's temporary 'Chee Dale' halt, used on the Ashwood Dale line from Buxton, when Rambler's trains were operated there under charter by Peak Rail, in the 1980s.