This walk offered a lovely mix of scenery, history, and small discoveries. We began at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a quirky bookshop that feels like a real find. It’s the perfect starting point for a slow, meandering stroll, because you’re already in a relaxed mood before you even reach the river.
We followed an all-trails route up the hill, even discovering some fun tunnels, up to the ridge near The Heights of Abraham. Some parts felt peaceful and tucked away, while others opened up with beautiful views along the valley sides. The autumn colours made it even more spectacular. It was genuinely beautiful.
The route took us from one side of the valley to the other, with a long flat stretch but plenty of variation to keep things interesting. We passed mills, old industrial buildings, and pieces of Peak District heritage that gave the walk purpose as well as scenery. The kids loved spotting the tree silhouettes across the valley at the top of High Tor.
On arriving in Matlock Bath we crossed the river, climbed up to High Tor, followed a trail around the hilltops, then returned through fields and ended by walking around the mills. It makes a brilliant end to a walk that started in quiet Cromford.
If you enjoy walks that mix nature with a touch of history, you might like our walk from Monsal Head into Bakewell. Have you explored the Derwent Valley—it’s such an underrated part of the Peak District?
