This walk combined scenery, history and little surprises. We began at Scarthin Books in Cromford, a quirky bookshop that’s the perfect place to start a slow, meandering stroll — you leave already relaxed before you reach the river.
We followed an AllTrails route up the hill, discovering a few fun tunnels on the way to the area above the Heights of Abraham. Some sections felt tucked away and peaceful, while others opened up with wide views of the valley. The autumn colours made it even more beautiful.
The route crosses the valley from one side to the other. There’s a fairly long flat stretch, but plenty of variation to keep it interesting. We passed mills, old industrial buildings and bits of Peak District heritage that make the walk feel purposeful as well as scenic. The kids loved spotting the treetops on the opposite side from the top of High Tor.
Arriving in Matlock Bath, we crossed the river, climbed to High Tor, followed a trail along the hilltops, then dropped back down through fields and ended up walking around the mills — a lovely finish to a walk that starts in quiet Cromford.
If you enjoy walks that blend nature with a touch of history, try the route from Monsal Head into Bakewell. Have you explored the Derwent Valley? It’s one of the most underrated parts of the Peak District.
