High Peak Trail & Cromford Canal |
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History of the Cromford Canal and the High Peak Trail
Completed in 1794, the Cromford Canal stretched 14.5 miles to Langley Mill joining the Erewash Canal. By 1830 the Cromford and High Peak Railway was opened. The Railway, to link Cromford Canal with the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge, had many similarities with canals. Horses were used to pull wagons along the flat sections of track. Steep inclines worked by steam powered beam engines hauled wagons up the gradients, the rail equivalent of a flight of locks. Disaster struck the Cromford Canal when the Butterley tunnel collapsed in 1900 isolating the northern section of the canal. The canal has since been severed in several places. However, water still remains from Cromford to Ambergate. The Countryside Service has produced a series of leaflets, which include the History of the Cromford and High Peak Railway. These are available at our visitor centres.The High Peak Trail today.
The line of the Cromford and High Peak Railway has a new lease of life as the High PeakTrail. There are 17.5 miles of traffic free trail for walkers, horse riders and cyclists. It connects High
Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton, joining the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay. High Peak Trail is now the start of the Pennine Bridleway with the cycle route starting at Middleton Top and the Horse riding route at Hartington. Ultimately it will go to Bryness in Northumberland. Along the Trail old engine houses, sidings, signals and quarries remind us of it's industrial heritage. The trail supports abundant wildlife and where it crosses limestone countryside many wildflowers including cowslips, wild strawberry and thyme flourish. The Trail is provided by the Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park. Middleton Top
Situated at the top of Middleton incline is the restored Middleton Top Engine House, Visitor Centre and a Cycle hire Centre. The Butterley Company built this steam winding engine in 1892 to raise and lower wagons on the Middleton Incline. This unique engine can be seen in motion on the first weekend of each summer month and at Bank holidays.Black Rocks
These impressive rocks overlooking the High Peak Trail at the top of Cromford Hill are popular with climbers and families. The walk up the rocks is rewarded with spectacular views. There are two woodland trails through Forest Enterprise woodlands, an orienteering course, and an information centre.The Canal today
Derbyshire County Council own the canal from Cromford to Ambergate. There are 5.5miles of tow path
to explore, offering easy walking, abundant wildlife and canal history. At the junction of the Cromford Canal and the High Peak Trail, you will find the oldest surviving railway workshops in the world. There is a visitor centre and shop as well as the workshops which remain virtually unchanged since their railway days, with tools, railway artefacts and forge. The visitor centre is the ideal location to start or finish a walk along the canal and rail heritage. Close by are old Wharf Sheds, Leawood Aqueduct, the River Derwent and the railway catchpit on Sheep Pasture Incline. Leawood Pumphouse
This magnificent beam engine was built in 1849 to pump water from the River Derwent into the canal. It is a short walk from High Peak Junction, and is operated by steam on various summer weekends and Bank Holidays.Cromford Wharf
The start of the Cromford Canal still retains several old canal buildings. Cromford Canal is an ideal location for a picnic. The canal side walk to High Peak Junction is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Across the road is Arkwright's Cromford Mill. Cromford village is also just a short walk away.
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Opening Times
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(2007 times)
Most facilities are open at weekends throughout the year and daily for holidays and in summer but please check opening times before your visit. Contact Countryside Service, Middleton Top Visitor Centre.
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Admission Charges
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(2007 prices)
Please telephone for details.
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Directions
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Use public transport to avoid the frustration of traffic jams and crowded car parks. The rail service from Derby to Matlock is regular and the stations at Cromford, Whatstandwell and Ambergate offer good access to the trail and canal. Buses are frequent along the A6. The car parks at Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction are signed from the A6 out of Cromford. Black Rocks and Middleton Top are signed from the Cromford to Wirksworth road (B5036). |
| Show map of High Peak Trail & Cromford Canal... |
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Nearby Attractions
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National Stone Centre
(6 Miles)*
Admission to our dramatic fifty acre site, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, revealing a fossil tropical seascape 330 million years old, is free. |
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Wirksworth Heritage Centre
(6 Miles)*
The Story of Wirksworth encompasses the history of the town from prehistoric times to the modern day. |
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Gullivers Kingdom Matlock Bath
(7 Miles)*
From the moment you enter Gulliver's you enter another world where your imagination can roam free. Gulliver's Matlock Bath is nestled in a stunning hillside location where much of the magic comes from the amazing scenery and views. |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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