Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk
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Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk
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The Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk is a scenic walking route that features beautiful views of the woodlands and farms that make up the Derbyshire countryside, as well as the chance to experience the industrial past of Cromford. A large part of the village infrastructure was commissioned to provide the workers at the Cromford Mill with their daily needs, such as schools, chapels, and shops. Along the walk, you will pass by some of these historic sites, in addition to visiting an ashover grit outcrop known as the Black Rocks.
Getting there
To reach the car park for the Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk from Matlock, drive south on Church Street for 0.3mi and continue straight on Starkholmes Road for another 0.8mi. Keep straight onto Willersley Lane and follow it for 0.7mi before turning right onto Mill Road. In 0.1mi, you will find the car park on the left.
About
| When to do | March-November |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk
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Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk Description
There are a few steep sections of trail along Derbyshire’s Cromford Mill and Black Rocks Circular Walk that you should be aware of, particularly on the ascent of High Peak; however, a fair bit of the route follows along the road, making navigation fairly easy. Make sure to wear decent footwear, especially in wet weather when the incline to High Peak is likely a bit slippery.
Setting out from the car park next to Wheatcroft’s Wharf, follow the trail southeast along the scenic banks of the Cromford Canal to make your way toward High Peak Junction. Continue on past the junction to cross over the River Derwent via a picturesque aqueduct before retracing your steps across the arched bridge and keeping left to pass the historic Leawood Pumphouse. The steam-powered engine here is still operational, and can be seen in use on some weekends/bank holidays.
Continue along the trail towards High Peak Junction and head west to begin the climb uphill towards High Peak. As you head through the dense cover of the forest, take some time to relax in the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the intermittent views across the Derbyshire landscape. Eventually, you will arrive at the site of Black Rocks in the southwest corner of the trail loop.
After exploring the area around the rocky outcrop, head north along the trail to descend the hillside and make your way into the village. While on this final stretch of the walk, feel free to pop in and out of the shops as you make your way toward the historic Cromford Mill that can be found near the trailhead. From here, you can further enjoy the local history of Cromford by heading into the museum at the mill or simply head back to the car park where you began your journey.
Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park
Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.
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