With the scenically beautiful Midland main line through the Peak District on one side, and the more workmanlike Erewash Valley line on the other, Ripley was once surrounded by a myriad of thriving coal mines, potteries and agricultural land. Three lines eventually served the town; the first was in the north-east from the Derwent Valley, the second came from the Erewash Valley, and the third ran from east to west linking the two great Midland Railway trunk routes from London to the north, bypassing Ripley, but providing the final link in the network of lines that this fascinating area spawned. Each line was different in character, a heavily-used passenger and goods branch line, a short-lived and impecunious passenger branch line, and an important cross-country diversionary and through route. The cross-country link even survived long enough to become the home of the Midland Railway Trust which today keeps alive the spirit of the company that called itself "The Best Way". Written by an acknowledged railway history expert, this is an interesting social history of the lines and the area surrounding them. Certain to find a ready local history readership, it will also be useful for tourists visiting the area, as well as delighting railway enthusiasts up and down the country.