Wirksworth - High Peak Trail - Cromford Moor

Ray Gillett

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From Wirksworth walk up the hill towards the centre of the town. A lane is then negotiated that is probably the steepest climb in the Peak District. Once at the top, a disused quarry is passed through with good views all round of the Wirksworth district. This leads to a peaceful ramble along the High Peak Trail towards the Black Rocks. Passing close to the rocks, which can be investigated if time allows, the path then goes through forestry plantations on Cromford Moor. The path then continues along through woodland above the busy A6 Derby / Matlock road, turns off at the side of a static caravan field and makes its way through to the lane that goes on back to Wirksworth. This passes a pub (The Malt Shovel) on the top of the hill which was open for refreshments at lunchtime, when we passed by.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Museum, Pub, Public Transport, Toilets, Wildlife

4/3/2024 - Iain Forsyth

We did this walk on a sunny Easter Saturday and in spite of a few navigational hiccups we had a very enjoyable day. It's a while since the walk was recorded so conditions have changed. It's a moderately demanding walk with some fine views and variety of terrain. Despite all the recent rain we encountered surprisingly little heavily muddy conditions. Strava said it was 14km, so a bit longer than the 6.2 miles listed, I don't think that was just down to our detours. We were staying in Middleton so decided to start at the National Stone Centre Carpark (£5 all day parking) between waymarks 9 and 10. After a short detour to the top of Black Rock for the magnificent views we made our way to the trig point at 11 and from there to the junction at 15 but didn't spot the 'narrow path on the left' which is not on the OS maps and may no longer exist? After a detour via Meerbrook farm, we re-joined the route at point 21 and had pleasant lunch stop by the woods, Followed by a pint at the Shovel Inn. Then on down into Wirksworth, the climb up on Greenhill and what follows was the most demanding section, not helped by the miles already in our legs! At point 4 navigation changes as a new fence means that you can't join the lane as instructed, but have to follow a right of way (marked on the OS map) that takes you by a more direct route to Middleton Top, missing out point 5. This actually means less road walking which isn't a bad thing in my book. From there it was a straightforward descent along the High Peak Trail back to the car. With stops and a bit of map reading it took us 6 hours at a leisurely pace.

5/2/2015 - Ian Cutler

An excellent walk, we started at the black rocks as we had to pass there to go to Wirksworth. Route easy to follow and very enjoyable, I'm sure we passed Ray in a field with 3 dogs, (or very much like him) as we where heading towards a sharp left turn through a small copse. Very steep climb out of Wirksworth, but a lovely collection of cottages that one wouldn't see unless walking this route. We have done a few of Ray's routes and have found all of them to be excellent, we use GPS to navigate so a few of the turns are out of place but soon corrected. Find and upload a few more Ray..

2/28/2015 - Anthony Parker

Great walk today that took a little over 4 hours, due to it being very boggy and wet in some areas. We were looking for a less strenuous walk, after a few days walking and this was a little steeper than expected, although still very enjoyable.

8/9/2006 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated August 2006.