Hopton Incline
Fearsome is probably the best adjective to describe the 1:14 Hopton Incline. As built it had a stationary steam engine and rope haulage but was eased to 1:14 by the LNWR and loco haulage commenced. For many years the ex North London 0-6-0Ts would charge the foot of the bank with a few wagons, often only to have to return for another attempt. For the last few years of service the work transferred to J94 0-6-0STs before final closure in 1967. Seen here from a nearby minor road the level section from Middleton Top crosses the bridge on the right with the bank itself climbing ahead directly alongside the lane beyond the crossroads. One of the many quarries that provided the line with traffic is seen to the right, this one producing dolomite from which magnesium was extracted in the plant that can be seen beyond the bridge. The incline now forms part of the High Peak Trail. (Thanks to Malcolm Chattwood for additional information on the location)
Location: Hopton Incline
Original line: Cromford and High Peak Railway
Photographer: Mark Bartlett
Contact photographer: Mark Bartlett
Date: 24/05/2012
Image number: 39066
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