Hayfield branch


The Hayfield Branch was a single-track branch line that ran along the Sett Valley from the Hope Valley Line near to, via one intermediate stop,.

History

Opening

The branch opened, in 1868, to serve the villages along the valley of the River Sett and the local mills. Passenger numbers were high especially in the summer months, as the line provided easy access to the countryside.

Kinder Reservoir

A short-lived continuation of the line was built in the early 20th century to convey materials and workmen during the construction of Kinder Reservoir.

Closure

After World War II, passenger traffic on the line reduced. The whole Manchester Piccadilly-Romiley-Hayfield line had been included in the 1963 Beeching cuts proposals; however, the government chose instead to retain the Hope Valley line in favour of closing the Woodhead line to passenger services. The Hayfield line was closed in January 1970.

The site today

The line was purchased from British Rail by Derbyshire County Council in 1973 and now forms the Sett Valley Trail.