The Cromford and High Peak Railway (C&HPR) was one of the earliest railways in England, built in the early 19th century to connect the Cromford Canal at High Peak Junction with the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge. It was designed to transport minerals, particularly limestone and coal, across the rugged terrain of the Peak District in Derbyshire.

Construction began in 1825 and was completed in 1831. The railway was notable for its steep gradients and the use of stationary steam engines to haul wagons up and down inclines, as the hilly landscape made conventional locomotive operation impractical in several sections. The line covered approximately 33 miles and included six rope-hauled inclines.

Originally built to standard gauge, the railway was engineered with a focus on overcoming the natural challenges of the area rather than speed or comfort. It played a significant role in the industrial development of the region by facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished goods.

Over time, the line saw various upgrades, including the introduction of steam locomotives on less steep sections. However, competition from other forms of transport and the decline of local industries led to a gradual reduction in use.

The railway was eventually closed to regular freight in 1967, with parts of the trackbed later converted into a recreational trail known as the High Peak Trail, popular with walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. The Cromford and High Peak Railway remains an important piece of industrial heritage and a testament to early railway engineering ingenuity.