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A walk that explores parts of Derbyshire’s Industrial Heritage whilst also giving stunning and wide-ranging views that include Crich Stand, Carsington Reservoir and the Derwent Valley. Generally good paths which can be muddy in places. One very short, stepped, steep section. It is worth noting that if you reversed the route there would be a long and steep climb at the start to the top of Sheep Pasture Incline. From the back of the car park (grid ref. SK 3148 5609) turn right over the bridge, cross the River Derwent to reach Cromford Canal and High Peak Junction. At High Peak Junction it is still possible to visit the old workshops where the chains and haulage equipment used on the old High Peak Railway were maintained. Turn left to walk along the canal past, the steam operated, Leawood Pumphouse. Shortly after, at an old canal lock gate, cross the canal and continue along the opposite side of the canal. This stretch of the Cromford Canal is now a nature reserve, which in recent years has seen the return of Water Voles to its banks. Just before Leawood Tunnel leave the canal path taking the footpath on the right, signed for Homesford Cottage. Cross the bridge over the Derwent, go under the tunnel and follow the track to the A6. Cross the A6 and follow the track opposite behind the houses. As you approach a metal gate take the track which heads uphill but look for a gap in the fence, almost immediately on your right, to follow a clear footpath uphill through Birch Wood. As you walk along the top of the wood you will reach a tarmac track, continue straight ahead along this to re-enter the wood by the entrance to Birch Wood campsite. At the end of the campsite’s first field take the footpath into its second field and follow the path to the barn opposite. It is from this point that the views open up to extend from Crich Stand to Alport Height. Cross a track, the Midshires Way, to follow the signed footpath straight ahead across four fields. In the fourth field don’t take the stone stile, directly opposite, out of the field, instead take the footpath, through the gap, on the right of the field. Continue straight ahead across three fields to emerge at a track lined with gorse bushes, follow this to a farm track. Continuing straight ahead, follow the track past the farm to the road. Turn right downhill towards Bolehill. Just before the first house in Bolehill take the footpath, on the right, uphill. When the steps end continue, straight ahead, uphill. As the ascent eases look out for the stile into the wood on your left. Continue along the path, uphill, through the wood to emerge, via a gate, at Bolehill’s summit trig point. From here Carsington Reservoir and Middleton Moor come into view. From the summit take the path on the left heading downhill next to the fence. Ignore the first gate in the fence but take the second gate through the fence to follow the stepped path down to a post with green and blue circles. Bear left, then right, to a track leading downhill to Black Rocks. If you wish to explore Black Rocks there is clear path at the back of the rocks that takes you onto the top of the rocks. Although this involves a bit of scrambling and it is exposed on the top of the rocks the views across the Derwent Valley are stunning. After passing Black Rocks turn right onto the High Peak Trail, which follows the route of the old High Peak railway line. Follow the trail back to High Peak Junction first passing the old Engine House at the top of Sheep Pasture Incline and then the ‘Catch Pit’ at the foot of the incline. Cross the canal and return to the car park via the bridge over the River Derwent.
Suggested Maps It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.
Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps. Overdale Cottage, Youlgrave, Bakewell - Derbyshire Darwin Forest Country Park, Matlock - Derbyshire Rock Cottage, Alport, Nr Bakewell - Derbyshire Hillside Croft, Ashbourne - Derbyshire Sandybrook Country Park, Ashbourne - Derbyshire Thorpe Cottage Country Guest House, Thorpe, Ashbourne - Derbyshire Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse, Hathersage - Derbyshire Cannon Croft, Hathersage - Derbyshire Roseleigh Hotel, Buxton - Derbyshire 3, New Houses, Cressbrook - Derbyshire Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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