From Matlock to Matlock Bath

This linear walk from Matlock to Matlock Bath takes you up above the River Derwent on the appropriately named High Tor, with stunning views of the spectacular natural gorge. The route is perfectly safe and both the slopes and the surfaces underfoot are relatively straightforward, but do be aware that as you head towards the top there are sheer drops, in places unfenced, so children must be supervised and dogs kept on a lead.

Little Switzerland

The walk starts at Matlock’s Hall Leys Park just off the town centre, heads alongside the riverside and before long you begin the ascent of High Tor, a soaring limestone crag over 300ft (91m) high and lined towards the top with sheer cliffs. You approach on what was known as the Grand Walk and look out from a summit dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’ by Lord Byron. 

Giddy edge

The path continues over the top of the hill, safely back from the edge; but there’s another route for the seriously intrepid and the clue is in its name. The Giddy Edge path is a one-way route literally along the cliff ledges. It’s not for the faint-hearted and a head for heights is an absolute must.

The easy descent through lovely woodland brings you out by the cable car station, and beyond is the railway station where, if pushed for time, you could return to Matlock. But there’s another, much less demanding hill to surmount, known by the collective name of the paths that criss-cross the steep wooded hillside above the river. Lovers’ Walks was created as long ago as 1742 and is believed to be the earliest continuously used pleasure grounds in Britain. Routes were fashioned to visit waterfalls and selected viewpoints, as well as along the riverside below the woods. This is where your route emerges, with Matlock Bath just across the Derwent footbridge.

From Matlock Bath there are frequent daily bus and train services back to Matlock. Alternatively, if you have some puff left, there’s a scenic public footpath back along the upper western slopes of the valley. A leaflet guide to the route is available from the Mining Museum reception at Matlock Bath at the end of the main walk.

From Crown Square in the centre of Matlock walk through Hall Leys Park beside the River Derwent. At the far end, next to a playground, go on to Knowleston Place for 50yds (46m), then turn right into a memorial garden.

Go over the footbridge, then turn right for a riverside walk below cliffs and under the railway bridge until you reach a junction. Here go left under the railway once more, not right across the footbridge over the river. Follow the path uphill until you reach houses.

Turn right into the grounds of High Tor. Follow the path all the way up past viewpoints to an interpretation board by a shelter. Here go right for the last few paces up to the top.

Turn left and take the left of the two paths (not the Giddy Edge route to the right) and follow this over the summit and down past the transmitter mast for a stepped path past picnic tables. The gravel track continues in zig-zags through woodland, dropping down to finally emerge by the cable car station.

Turn right, then before the railway bridge go left on the path signed ‘Railway Station, Lovers Walks’. At the far end cross the railway line at the crossing by Matlock Bath station.

Turn left into the large car park and walk across to the coach park at the far side. Go through bollards for a rising path that swings right and up into woodland. Fork left on to a stepped path and follow this all the way along the hilltop, staying next to the fence on the left, past viewpoints, and ignoring paths downhill to the right.

Eventually the path turns right and descends gradually through the wooded hillside, taking a couple of zig-zags. At the bottom turn right to reach the footbridge over the river. Cross this, then turn right to walk through the gardens until you reach the Grand Pavilion on the main road.

The bus stop for Matlock is across the road; or turn right and walk along the wide pavement past the shops and cafes to reach the turning for the railway station.