This walk was a lovely mix of scenery, history and small surprises. We began at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a charming, quirky bookshop that sets a relaxed tone for a slow, meandering stroll before you even reach the river.
We followed an AllTrails path up the hill, discovering a few fun tunnels on the way to the ridge where the Heights of Abraham sits. Some sections felt peaceful and tucked away, while others opened up with wide views of the valley sides. The autumn colours made everything even more striking.
The route crosses the valley from one side to the other. There’s a long flat stretch, but plenty of variety to keep the walk interesting. You pass mills, old industrial buildings and other pieces of Peak District heritage that add purpose as well as scenery. The kids loved spotting the treetops on the opposite side at the top of High Tor.
Arriving in Matlock Bath, we crossed the river and climbed to High Tor, followed a trail along the hilltops, descended through fields and finished by walking among the mills. It’s a brilliant finish to a walk that starts in quiet Cromford.
If you enjoy walks that mix nature with a touch of history, try the route from Monsal Head into Bakewell. Have you explored the Derwent Valley? It’s a wonderfully underrated part of the Peak District.
