This walk was a lovely blend of scenery, history and little surprises. We began at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a quirky little shop that sets the tone for a slow, meandering stroll — relaxed before you even reach the river.
We followed an AllTrails path up the hill, discovering a few fun tunnels on the way to the top near the Heights of Abraham. Some sections felt tucked away and peaceful, while others opened out with wide views across the valley. The autumn colours made everything even more stunning.
The route crosses the valley from one side to the other. There’s a fairly long flat section, but plenty of variety to keep it interesting. You pass old mills and industrial buildings, reminders of Peak District heritage that give the walk a sense of purpose as well as beauty. The kids loved spotting the tops of the trees on the far side of the valley from the top of High Tor.
We arrived in Matlock Bath, crossed the river and climbed up to High Tor, then followed a trail around the hilltops before descending through fields and finishing by wandering around the mills. It’s a great end point for a walk that starts in quiet Cromford.
If you enjoy walks that mix nature with a touch of history, try our route from Monsal Head into Bakewell. Have you explored the Derwent Valley? It’s an underrated part of the Peak District.
