DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE

AND THE

PEAK DISTRICT

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LEAWOOD PUMP

THE FEATURE

On the opposite side of the canal from the High Peak Junction Visitor Centre, a short distance to the south is Leawood Pumphouse. Built in 1849 to pump water from the river to the canal, following water shortages in 1844. It has been extensively restored by volunteers and is capable of lifting approximately five tons of water each minute, up to a height of 30 feet. Open to the public on 'steaming days' in the summer, details of which are set out below.

Completed in 1794, the Cromford Canal stretched 14.5 miles to Langley Mill, where it joined the Erewash Canal. With a tunnel and two aqueducts, the canal was built to carry limestone from quarries at Crich to the iron foundry at Butterley. It was extended to serve Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mills, and it became very busy and profitable as a result. The canal supports an abundance of wildlife and because of its value as a natural habitat, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The southern end, from Whatstandwell to Ambergate, is managed as a Statutory Local Nature Reserve by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

DATES FOR 2010

LEAWOOD PUMP IN STEAM**

Month

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

April

 

4

5

May

 

2

3

June

5

6

 

July

3

4

 

August

7

8

 

August

 

29

30

October

2

3

 

In steam: 12noon - 5pm. Admission Free. Donations appreciated.

**NOTE:  Mechanical problems may result in visitors not being able to view the engine at work, please telephone the number below to check the situation before travelling. This is an independent information site that does not have any direct link with High Peak Junction.

 

Check out Middleton Top Engine details

by clicking here.

 

SPECIAL VISITS

 

Group and school visits can be arranged to Middleton Top Engine House, Leawood Pump and High Peak Junction Workshops - Telephone Middleton Top on 01629 823204.

 

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www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk is an independent, not for profit website.

No recommendation of any establishment is implied by inclusion on this website.

 

PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE LOCALITY

Arkwright’s Cromford Mill (Cromford Mill Tel. 01629 823256, Masson Mill Tel. 01629 760208) the world’s first successful water powered cotton-spinning mill. It is now a world heritage site and guided tours are available. There is a whole food restaurant, a number of shops and free car park. A not to be missed attraction, along with Masson Mill situated about a quarter of a mile away on the A6, that has been converted into a shopping village and working textile museum. Open daily.


 

HIGH PEAK JUNCTION FEATURE

 

The starting point for The High Peak Trail where there are toilets, a picnic site and car park off the Cromford to Holloway road. There are also Railway workshops and memorabilia, a visitor centre and shop selling books, maps. gifts and refreshments.

 

High Peak Junction Feature

 


HIGH PEAK TRAIL

The former track of the world famous Cromford and High Peak Railway, has been converted into a trail for the use of the public.

High Peak Trail

 


 


SPECIAL FEATURES

Cromford Canal

Cycling and Cycle Hire Derbyshire/Peak District

High Peak Trail

High Peak Junction

Middleton Top

National Stone Centre

Steeple Grange Light Railway

Tissington Trail

 

All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.