The Cable Car
Begin your adventure in one of our famous cable cars, soaring up over the Derwent Valley to the summit of Masson Hill.
A flight in our cable cars is just the beginning of your day out at the Heights, but it is a highlight for many. Take your journey up to the summit in style and enjoy the magnificent 360 degree views of the Derbyshire Dales around you.
Use the interactive image below to see what taking a flight up in the cable cars is like before you visit.
How do the cable cars work?
Each of the 12 cars are permanently attached to the cable by huge metal bolts. The cable is one long loop and is kept in tension on giant rollers.
How long is the cable?
The cable itself is 1,136 metres long (or, around 2/3 of a mile). From the base station to the hill top, you only travel around 1/3 of a mile. The cable is 40.2mm in diameter, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can hold up to 120 metric tonnes.
What makes the cable cars move?
A 360 horse power, very sturdy, electric motor that’s located at the Base Station.
Why do they slow down or stop half way?
The cable cars slow down to let people on at the bottom and off at the top. When they stop completely, it’s just to let people with pushchairs and wheelchairs on. This is a great opportunity to take some stunning photos of the Derwent Valley and Masson Hill.
How high do you travel?
From bottom to top, you travel 169 metres (or 554ft) upwards. It’s not a straight up ride like a roller coaster, you pass over 5 towers that ease the gradient. The highest tower is 23.5m (77ft) tall.
How high is Masson Hill above sea level?
The summit of the hill is around 339 meters (1,111ft) above sea level.