This railway oddity opened in 1831 to link the Cromford Canal with the Peak Forest Canal using a series of rope-worked inclines. The line weaved its way through some of the finest scenery in England and was dotted with crazy gradients and whiplash curves. Here was the steepest normal railway in Britain and the only place where you could see a gradient post saying ‘1 in 8.’ It also used steam right to the end. John Evans visited the line many times in its later years. His pictures are published here for the first time. 150 illustrations.