Around Cromford and Matlock

A slightly unusual walk which, in addition to walking through some wonderful Peak District countryside with great views of the Derwent valley, also takes in part of the historic towns of Cromford and Old Matlock and several interesting and pretty villages. The route is rather up and down, roads and country lanes are used to join it together, but don't let this put you off, it's a grand walk with distant views and much to see.   

Starting from the car park adjacent to the Cromford Canal we walk into historic Cromford, passing the mill pond before climbing up a flagged path, through trees and skirting a quarry to reach the village of Bonsall.  From Bonsall market cross we turn onto the Limestone Way, climbing steeply at first and then descending, with marvellous views of Matlock, Riber Castle and the Derwent Valley.  We arrive in Matlock, cross the Derwent Bridge and walk next to the river through the Pleasure Gardens.  We continue past St Giles church and turn onto the footpath towards Riber Castle, ascending steeply.  As we do so a magnificent view unfolds of the whole of Matlock and Darley Dale with Stanton Moor also visible.  We emerge at Riber Castle, a historic landmark now undergoing redevelopment.   

From Riber we continue over fields and country lanes to reach the hamlet of Dethick with it's small historic church and churchyard and more memorable views.  We cross fields, through an attractive wood, descending through trees and crossing a stream into Lea village and on to Holloway, turning onto the road and down the hill at the Florence Nightingale Memorial Hall.  The renowned 'lady of the lamp' spent part of her life in Holloway, the former home where she lived with her parents is now said to be a care home.

We continue down the steep road from Holloway into the valley bottom, crossing a footbridge over the Derwent to arrive on the Cromford Canal at High Peak Junction, the site where the former Cromford and High Peak Railway (C&HPR), whose workshops were located here, meets the canal.  We then stroll the final mile of our walk along the Cromford Canal to the car park.