Derwent Valley Heritage

An exploration of the beauty and industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley. Our walk takes us high above the town of Matlock onto limestone tors with stunning views into the valley below and to Riber Castle. We visit Cromford Mill, part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site, and follow the towpath of the Cromford Canal to High Peak Junction, once an important transport interchange, but now a tranquil place to relax. We return through the hills and woodland on the opposite side of the Derwent Valley. One of our most popular Derbyshire Dales walks!

(Approx 9 1/2 miles/15km and approx 500 metres of ascent.)

Carsington Water and Wonderful Wirksworth

We explore the historic market town of Wirksworth, packed with character, fine old buildings, and picturesque alleys. We then make our way across a disused limestone quarry, and along pretty countryside paths with fine views of the surrounding countryside. A highlight of the walk will be a stroll around the eastern edge of Carsington Water, a picturesque reservoir, popular for sailing and other water sports. On our return we pass through the village of Kirk Ireton and pretty Derbyshire Dales countryside.

(Approx 9 1/2 miles/15km and 400 metres of ascent)

Delightful Dales

From the pretty village of Ashford-in-the-Water, follow footpaths through meadows to Monsal Head for fine views of the stone viaduct crossing the valley. Walk along Monsal Dale and through Deepdale, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wealth of wild flowers. Then visit a historic lead mine high on the hills above the Wye Valley and learn about one of the Peak District most important industries in the past. Enjoy beautiful views of the Wye Valley as we make our way down the hillside back to Ashford-in-the-Water. One of our favourite Derbyshire Dales walks!

(Approx 8 miles/13km and 300 metres of ascent).

Derwent Valley Delights

Walk on both sides of the Derwent Valley from the small village of Whatstandwell. We follow paths through meadows, mature woodland, and traditional English parkland. We visit the village of Crich - famous amongst other things for featuring heavily in the TV series Peak Practice, and for 'Crich Stand' its war memorial perched high up on a cliff, and visible from miles around.

(Approx 9 miles/14km and 400 metres of ascent)

Peakland Villages & Mystic Moorland
A linear walk through the Derbyshire Dales from the village of Rowsley back to Matlock. We cross the wild and mysterious Stanton Moor to see the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, and interesting features such as the Earl Gray Tower. We explore the peakland village of Birchover where we see evidence of its ancient associations with druids, hermits and valuable mineral deposits. Then after following part of the long distance Limestone Way through meadows, we then pass through the historic peakland villages of Winster and Oker. On a hill above Oker we visit the famous landmark of Will Shore's Tree and learn of the local legend about it. We finish our walk on countryside paths and lanes.

(Approx 11 miles/18km and 470 metres of ascent)