Julia Bradbury begins her exploration of Britain's lost rail empire in the heart of the Peak District, with a walk along the popular Monsal Trail. Limestone cliffs and gorges abound, and the tunnels and soaring viaducts of the Midland Railway.

Episode 1, Derbyshire - Peak Express

Lifestyle

Travel

Railway Walks visits disused lines across England, Scotland and Wales. Through stunning landscapes and urban backstreets, each contrasting walk has a unique story to tell, offering Julia Bradbury a window into industrial Britain and how the rise and fall of the railways has altered lives and localities across the country.

Railway Walks

Series 1

Julia Bradbury follows the old tracks and ancient viaducts of Britain's lost rail empire.

The area between Dolgellau and the coastal resort of Barmouth is one of the least visited parts of Snowdonia. In the 1860s it received a great rush of holiday-makers, making use of the new railway that connected this stunning valley to the cities.

Episode 2, Wales - Discovering Snowdonia

Tin and Copper once made the area around Redruth the richest patch of land in the country. They also inspired great engineering feats and some pioneering tramways - the forebears of Britain's rail empire.

Episode 3, Cornwall - The Birth of Steam

The Speyside Way is one of Scotland's great walking routes, and between the villages of Craigellachie and Ballindaloch it follows the route of the railway that once served a remote area and a world famous drinks industry.

Episode 4, Speyside - The Whisky Train

The backstreets of Weymouth seem an unlikely spot to explore railway history, but as Julia Bradbury discovers, there was once a short railway that ran south from Weymouth and across the unique coastal features of Chesil Beach and Portland.

Episode 5, Weymouth - Harbouring History

Not only is this the longest and arguably most dramatic walk yet, but it passes through the unruly territory of Scottish clans and Rob Roy. The Highlands were a place to be wary of...until the railway arrived that is.

Railway Walks

Episode 1, Derbyshire - Peak Express

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