This walk was a lovely mix of scenery, history, and small surprises. We started at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a quirky bookshop that feels like a real find. It’s the perfect place to begin a relaxed, meandering stroll because you’re already in a calm mood before you reach the river.
We followed an all-trails path up the hill, discovering some fun tunnels on the way, up to the heights of Abraham. Some sections felt peaceful and tucked away, while others opened up with stunning views across the valley. The autumn colours made it even more spectacular.
The route runs 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 give the walk purpose as well as scenery. The kids loved spotting the tree tops on the far side of the valley at the top of High Tor.
In Matlock Bath we crossed the river, climbed up to High Tor, and followed a trail around the hilltops, then came back down through fields and finished by walking around the mills. It makes a brilliant end point for a walk that starts in quiet Cromford.
If you enjoy walks that mix nature with a touch of history, you might also like our wander from Monsal Head to Bakewell. If you’ve explored the Derwent Valley, share your experiences—it’s such an underrated part of the Peak District.
