The Cable Car Lift, Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. - Aerial Lifts on Waymarking.com

The Heights are named after the Heights of Abraham, also known as the Plains of Abraham, in Quebec where James Wolfe died in battle. They have been a visitor attraction since 1780 and they remain one of the Peak District's most popular destinations. Originally reached on foot, which required visitors to scale the steep slopes of Masson Hill, there is now this cable car system which is 568m (621 yards) long and climbs 169m (185 yards).

It was constructed in 1984 and was Britain's first alpine style cable car system. Rising from the valley floor just to the north of the railway station at Matlock Bath, the observation cars transport you in comfort and safety giving stunning views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District. There are twelve cars and as there is only one cable there is a pause in movement as the cable slows to allow passengers to disembark and embark, this happens when the mid-line cars are over the River Derwent valley.

The upper station is at N 53° 7.454 W 1° 33.853.

Admission tickets (see below) last all day and include a return journey on the cable car system. Guided tours into both show caverns which lead into the heart of the hillside, learn about the rocks and minerals of the Peak District and experience a day in the life of a 17th Century Lead Miner. Full use of the Explorers Challenge and Woodland Adventure where you can test your balance and climbing skills. Plenty of Picnic Areas and stunning views. Entrance to Heath and Heaven, the Fossil Factory, Who Why What exhibitions and Through the Lens, a film of the Great Masson Cavern. Full access to the Hilltop Park with its Woodland Trails and the Victoria Prospect Tower, Gift Shops, Terrace Coffee Shop and the Summit Bar.

There is a continuous running film of the construction of the cable car system, well worth watching for the lack of Health & Safety awareness.

From the company's web site:
'Accessibility. There is a steep sloped access to the Cable Car Base Station. In 2004 we made a very large investment in new Cable Cars which will now accommodate wheelchair access. However we cannot accommodate more than one or two at a time during peak months.

The reason for this is on Health and Safety grounds as the cable car system has to be shut down while each wheelchair is loaded; regrettably this delay has proved to be alarming for visitors in the mid-line cable cars and consequently impractical during busy periods.'

Type of Aerial Lift: Gondola Lift Is there a fee to ride this aerial lift?: Yes If there is a fee please add the costs associated with this lift below.: Adult £12.50 Child (under 5’s FREE - 1 per adult) £8.80 Senior £9.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £37.50 Senior Family (2 Seniors + 2 Children) £33.00 Is this aerial lift primarily;: Recreational Use Aerial Lifts Web Page:: [Web Link] Does this lift have more than one primary boarding location?: Yes If there is more than one primary loading area which one are you waymarking?: Lower Loading Area Type of lift if described as "other" above.: Not listed

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