In 1975, the Peak Railway Preservation Society was established and opened a site at the now-closed Buxton Steam Centre with restoration facilities and a 300-yard operating line.

The bridge was never used as the whole site was sold to Buxton Water who built a factory shortly after Peak Rail moved to Darley Dale using funds from the sale.

[2] The Peak Rail Association news quotes the support of the local MP[3] however the builder of a new development is causing difficulties with access.

The station at Rowsley South has also been used for local charity events and cycle races, as well as steam and vintage vehicle rallies.

In 2004, Derbyshire County Council published a study which concluded that reopening the former line for a local service was technically feasible and that the track bed should remain clear of development, but it was not an economic possibility in the near future.

Derbyshire County Council and the Peak Planning Board supported a scheme to develop the trackbed from Bakewell to Blackwell Mill as a cycle track, the Monsal Trail.

Two boxes control the only two level crossings on the old Midland Railway main line route from Manchester to London St Pancras.

Through improvements to infrastructure and signalling, this project allows two trains in steam on the line, using a refurbished and extended passing loop at Darley Dale.