Cromford, Middleton Top and Black Rock

The route starts from Arkwrights Mill, passing Willersley Castle on the banks of the River Derwent and through Cromford. We walk through Slinter Wood which climbs gradually, then steeply as we pass the aptly named “Groaning Tor”. The landscape opens up to reveal grand views typical of the White Peak, before we ascend the Middleton Incline, on the route of the High Peak Railway opened in 1830.
After lunch we descend through fields and a quarry to the StarDisc situated above Wirksworth – to learn about the constellations! We then descend steeply into Wirksworth past old cottages and the church. The route continues gently uphill to the village of Bolehills. From Bolehills the ascent to the trig point and onto Black Rock is steep for about half a mile, but well worth the effort for superb views towards Cromford and Matlock Bath. The last 2 miles are easy as we descend downhill along grassy tracks to the centre of Cromford and past cottages originally built to house Arkwrights Mill workers.

This is a walk of 9.5 miles and will take about 5 hours with a lunch stop.
The walk takes us through a landscape of steep sided valleys with ancient woodland, historic monuments, inclines and stone quarries. It is an area steeped in Industrial History.

N.B. There are 3 steep ascents on this walk. The walk uphill from Bolehills is very steep for half a mile. However, Timon knows an alternative flatter route around to Black Rock, where the group can meet up again.

For further information about Cromford Mill and the High Peak Railway, please refer to: www.cromfordmills.org.uk and www.pittdixon.go-plus.net/c+hpr/c+hpr.htm