In listing railway lines that have been converted for recreational use, I feel it will be useful to create categories to indicate what remains of railway infrastructure. These categories are shown below.
Route of exceptional interest. A mix of structures, platforms, buildings and railway furniture (Signal posts, mile posts, gradient posts, signal posts, telegraph poles, etc.) still in situ at several locations.
Platforms and/or buildings extant at some or all locations.
Large quantity of railway furniture extant at several locations.
One or more notable structures extant (Viaduct, tunnel, etc.)
Platforms and/or buildings extant at one or few locations.
Small quantity of railway furniture extant.
Nothing to identify as an ex-railway except perhaps fencing of obviously railway origin.
Impossible to identify as an ex-railway without prior knowledge.
Class 1:
Whaley Bridgeto Cromford (High Peak Junction) Four distinct sections,
all dripping with railway history. Far more than could be explored in one day.
Some parts of the northern section were closed as long ago as 1892, but can
still be followed with ease.
Class 4:
Woodley (Apethorne Jn.) to Godley Jn. A short walk up a gentle incline from
Apethorne Jn., this path forms a part of the Trans Pennine Trail linking
Liverpool with Hull. The turntable pit at Godley Jn. is still in place and
various items of railway furniture can be spotted in the undergrowth.