This walk was a lovely mix of scenery, history and little surprises. We began at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a quirky, tucked-away bookshop that sets the right pace for a slow, meandering walk before you even reach the river.
The route climbs from the village, following a path that takes you up the hill and past a few fun little tunnels to the area around the Heights of Abraham. Some sections feel peaceful and enclosed, while others open out with sweeping views of the valley sides. Autumn colours made the whole scene even more spectacular.
The trail crosses from one side of the valley to the other. There’s a long, fairly flat stretch, but enough variety—mills, old industrial buildings and other Peak District heritage—to keep it interesting. The kids loved spotting the tree-tops on the far side of the valley from the top of High Tor.
We finished by arriving in Matlock Bath, crossing the river and following a path up High Tor, circling the hilltops, then descending through fields and past the mills. It’s a brilliant endpoint for a walk that starts in quiet Cromford.
If you like walks that combine nature with a touch of history, try the route from Monsal Head into Bakewell. The Derwent Valley really is an underrated part of the Peak District.
