This 8-mile circular starts at Cromford Station, looping along canal towpaths, railway trails and quarry edges (with lots of cafe stops along the way)

Start: Cromford Station, Derbyshire Dales

Distance: 8.92 miles

Elevation: 1,225 feet

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy (with some steep sections)

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot or download GPX file

About the route

This circular walk sets off from Cromford Station and takes you on a loop through one of the most historically rich corners of the Peak District. You'll pass the world-famous Cromford Mill, stroll beside a peaceful canal to High Peak Junction, climb the old railway incline to meet the High Peak Trail, detour up to a trig point, then loop around Black Rocks, the National Stone Centre, and Stoney Wood's glowing StarDisc before heading back to Cromford.

Expect a blend of stunning scenery, industrial relics and panoramic Peak District views, all without straying too far from a good brew or a pub stop.

Route difficulty

This is a mostly easy-going walk with a couple of short, steep sections — namely the Sheep Pasture Incline and the climb to Bolehill trig. Most of the route follows well-surfaced paths, including the flat canal towpath and the former railway line. There aren’t any technical sections on this walk: the paths are easy to follow. Some sections are suitable for prams, but the trig point and Black Rocks should be avoided if you're wheeling it.

Walk type: Circular
Start/finish: Cromford Station, DE4 3QJ
Terrain: Canal towpath, old railway trail, woodland, moorland edge
Difficulty: Easy–moderate with short steep sections
Good for: Heritage lovers, car-free adventures, varied scenery
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, pubs, bookshops at Cromford Mill and High Peak Junction

Route highlights

Cromford Mill
The world's first successful water-powered cotton mill, built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright. Now home to cafes, bookshops, heritage tours and at Christmas — fairy lights and festive trees.

Cromford Canal
Flat, tranquil and stunning in the colder months. Look out for the Leawood Pump House and other historic canal architecture as you wander toward High Peak Junction.

High Peak Junction
Where canal meets railway — once a key interchange in Derbyshire’s industrial heyday. Pop into the heritage visitor hut if it’s open.

Sheep Pasture Incline
A short, sharp climb that once hauled goods up to the High Peak Railway. These days it hauls your legs up to great views.

Molehill Trig (unofficial name)
A brief detour off the main trail, this trig point rewards you with moorland views across Matlock.

Black Rocks
Dramatic gritstone outcrops popular with climbers. Scramble up for wide views over Cromford and Matlock Bath.

National Stone Centre
Pause to learn about the geology under your boots — or just enjoy the weirdly satisfying rock formations and sculpture trail.

StarDisc, Stoney Wood
Set within a reclaimed quarry above Wirksworth, the StarDisc is a 12-metre granite star chart representing the Northern Hemisphere night sky. It’s surrounded by 12 stone seats — one for each month — and serves as both a public artwork and celestial amphitheatre.

Middle Peak Quarry
A reminder of the area's quarrying past and present — part of the landscape’s working history.

Where is Cromford?

Cromford sits on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire’s Derwent Valley. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its role in the Industrial Revolution and is well-connected by train, making it a brilliant base for car-free walks.

Things to do nearby

Visit Cromford Mill and take a guided heritage tour
Browse Scarthin Books — a legendary indie bookshop just over the canal
Ride the Heights of Abraham cable car in nearby Matlock Bath
Explore Lea Wood or Cromford Meadows for bonus easy loops
Pop into the pub or café after your walk — several options in Cromford village

Is this walk suitable for beginners?

Yes — especially if you're comfortable walking for a few hours with a bit of uphill effort. The paths are well-marked and easy to follow, but good footwear is recommended for the steeper/muddier sections. To make it easier, stick to the canal and High Peak Trail sections and skip the Black Rocks and trig point.

Is the route dog-friendly?

Yes! Dogs are welcome on all sections, though leads may be needed around livestock and near the canal. There's fresh water access along the way and plenty of good stick-carrying territory.

When is the best time to do this walk?

Spring to autumn is ideal for wildflowers, dry trails and longer days. The autumn colours in the valley are stunning, while winter brings a festive atmosphere around Cromford Mill. Avoid after heavy rain if you want to keep your feet dry.

How to extend your adventure

Link up with the Limestone Way or Derwent Valley Heritage Way
Add on a short detour to Lea Wood Nature Reserve
Explore Matlock Bath and its arcades, riverside walks and fish and chips
Turn it into a full day with a visit to Cromford Mill museum and café

Getting to the starting point

By train: Cromford Station is on the Derwent Valley Line, with regular trains from Derby and Matlock.

By car: Limited parking near Cromford Wharf or on-street in the village. Arrive early on weekends.

✔️ Good to knows

Wear sturdy boots — it’s not technical but there are steep bits
Dogs welcome, but leads needed around livestock
Toilets and food stops at Cromford Mill, High Peak Junction + National Stone Centre
Suitable for prams if you skip the trig/quarry
OS Map: Explorer OL24 (White Peak)

🧭 Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.

A Peak District Winter Walk: A traffic-free trail through Derbyshire's industrial past