The Peak Express

Synopsis

Julia Bradbury has her backpack on to explore the great outdoors. Julia's walks follow the old tracks, overgrown cuttings and ancient viaducts of Britain's lost rail empire, visiting disused lines across England, Scotland and Wales. Through stunning landscapes and urban backstreets, each contrasting walk has a unique story to tell, offering Julia a window into industrial Britain and how the rise and fall of the railways has altered lives and localities across the country.

Julia begins her exploration of Britain's lost rail empire in Derbyshire, the heart of the Peak District, with a walk along the popular Monsal Trail. Limestone cliffs and gorges abound, not to mention the tunnels and soaring viaducts of the Midland Railway - one of the most dramatic and unlikely main lines ever built.

Related Links

• Wikipedia: Monsal Trail (en.wikipedia.org)
• BBC Seven Man Made Wonders: Monsal Head Viaduct, Derbyshire
• Wikipedia: Midland Main Line (en.wikipedia.org)
• Peak District National Park Authority (www.peakdistrict.org)
• BBC Derby

Credits

Presenter

Julia Bradbury

Producer

Owen Rodd

Broadcasts

1. Thu 2 Oct 2008
   20:30
   BBC Four
2. Thu 2 Oct 2008
   23:55
   BBC Four
3. Tue 7 Oct 2008
   19:30
   BBC Four
4. Wed 8 Oct 2008
   00:30
   BBC Four
5. Wed 8 Oct 2008
   02:30
   BBC Four
6. Wed 28 Jan 2009
   20:30
   BBC HD
7. Mon 9 Mar 2009
   20:00
   BBC Two
8. Mon 27 Apr 2009
   19:30
   BBC HD
9. Sun 14 Jun 2009
   15:50
   BBC HD
10. Wed 22 Jul 2009
    19:00
    BBC HD
11. Wed 16 Sep 2009
    13:30
    BBC Two (Scotland only)
12. Thu 17 Sep 2009
    19:00
    BBC Two (England only)