We started at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a quirky bookshop that feels like a real find and a lovely, low-stress starting point for a relaxed walk before you reach the river. From there we followed an all-trails path uphill, passing some fun tunnels on the way to the top near The Heights of Abraham. Some parts felt peaceful and tucked away, while others opened up with sweeping views of the valley slopes, and the autumn colours made it especially striking.
The route carried 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 glimpses of Peak District heritage that gave the walk a sense of purpose as well as scenery. The kids loved spotting the tree-tops on the far side of the valley from the top of High Tor.
Arriving in Matlock Bath, we crossed the river to High Tor, followed a trail around the hilltops, descended through fields, and finished by wandering around the mills. It makes a great end to a walk that starts 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 a wonderfully underrated part of the Peak District.
