A WALK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
High Tor and its pleasure grounds were opened to the (then) paying public by the Arkwrights of Masson Mill. At first people were carried by mule, but nowadays we do it on foot, pausing only to admire the spectacular views of the Derwent gorge far below; in autumn when the trees make their final bid for glory, the view can be breathtaking. A series of partly unroofed mines with fanciful names like Roman and Fern Caves where for years visitors could explore without the need for artificial light, have been closed due to Health and Safety fears – more’s the pity. Follow the path bearing right up to the summit and turn left. There are two choices here; one is the path furthest to the left from the summit that winds through thorn bushes then right towards a downhill path. The second and more exciting is along ‘Giddy Edge’, a well-made path across the upper part of High Tor’s steep face. A handrail leads down to a wider path overhung by the upper crag, eventually reaching the top of a stepped path down to Matlock Bath. If using the ‘Giddy Edge’ option, ensure that children and dogs are kept under strict control especially over the more exposed sections. If in doubt, turn back. Walk down the stepped path as far as the lower station of the Heights of Abraham Cable Car and follow its access path alongside the railway as far as the station. Matlock Bath station was designed for George Stephenson in the shape of a Swiss Cottage, part of his attempt to attract passengers to his Midland Line. Each station as the line north from Derby enters the Peak District is to an individual design – Cromford’s is a mock French chateau. Part of the stationmaster’s house is now the Whistlestop Wildlife Centre – a haven for children interested in the local environment. Walk half left through the station car park and then cross the exit road to join a
footpath on the far side of bus parking. Follow the path until it starts to descend and look out for a path to your left. Follow this uphill along the upper reaches of woodland covering the craggy slopes above the river. Romantically christened as ‘Lovers’ Walks’ by the Victorians, the path follows a field boundary on your left along the upper edge. Ignore side paths until you reach the top of the climb then go to the right, steeply downhill on a partly stepped path through woodland, to reach the riverbank. Turn right at the river and walk to the footbridge, crossing it to the left, and then right through the attractively redesigned gardens. From the end of August the gardens and river in Matlock Bath are illuminated and firework displays are presented on advertised weekends. Walk up to the Pavilion (Mining Museum and ‘greasy spoon’ kiosk in far side of the Fishpond car park where the bacon rolls are highly recommended). Cross the main road at the pedestrian lights and turn left, past the Fish Pond Hotel, then climb a wide path with a hand rail. Turn right on reaching the upper road. Follow it to just a few feet beyond the access to Gulliver’s Kingdom and turn left up a steep flight of steps.
Where the steps reach the Gulliver’s
Kingdom road, turn right to rejoin the steps, following them in woodland beside the pleasure grounds. Ignoring a seductively level path bearing right, keep to the left still climbing the steps until they, thankfully, reach a narrow road.
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Turn left along the road and go into the attractive hamlet of Upperwood. Walk past the first houses upon your right, bearing right where the road widens. Climb through a group of trees and up to a stile, go through it and bearing right enter a field. Walk to the top of the field and go through a gate. With the Farm (Ember Farm) ahead of you, turn right on to a path wandering through mature woodland until it reaches the Heights of Abraham Pleasure Grounds. Bear left along the service drive, crossing the last high point on the walk until a group of farm buildings appears below and slightly to your right. Walkers are welcome to buy refreshments at the Heights of Abraham Restaurant, but are not allowed to use other attractions without paying for them.
Go to the right through a stile and walk towards but not up to the first of the farm buildings. Follow a field path bearing right and by using stiles in field boundaries walk downhill into Matlock.
Rambler
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