A brief update from Rob Prigg:
Passing by regularly I can report rapid progress is being made on clearing the vegetation away for this railway path to be laid…
The former railway line from Ripley to Little Eaton, Derbyshire is being converted into a multi-use greenway for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. The greenway will connect to existing footpaths, bridleways, and roads, and will be part of the Derby City to Ripley cycle route.
What’s happening?
- Derbyshire County Council is converting the 5.6 km (3.5 mile) former Midland Railway Ripley Branch Line into a greenway
- The greenway will run from Duffield Road in Little Eaton to Rawson Green
- The project will include vegetation clearance, grading, surfacing, fencing, and habitat improvement
- The greenway will also connect to the local highway network
Why is this happening?
- The greenway will provide an alternative to cycling on the corresponding stretch of Derby Road
- The greenway will be part of the Derbyshire Key Cycle Network proposals and will extend the National Cycle Network Route 54
What’s the history of the line?
- The Ripley Branch Line opened in 1855 for freight traffic, mainly transporting coal
- Passenger services on the line ceased in the 1930s
- The line remained in use to serve a coal washing plant at Denby until 1999
Little Eaton: Old railway to become £2.7m cycling and walking route – BBC News