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Black Rocks and High Peak Junction loop from Cromford

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Black Rocks and High Peak Junction loop from Cromford

Moderate

4.8

(105)

441

hikers

Black Rocks and High Peak Junction loop from Cromford

02:56

10.2km

250m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 7, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

750 m

View from Scarthin Rock

Highlight • Natural Monument

There are around 50 steep steps up Scarthin Rock to a viewpoint which takes in Cromford Cotton Mills and the yard from above. It also gives a view of the Mills' owner Richard Arkwright's house, which sits on the hill above.

On the other side of the viewpoint is Willersley Castle which was built to be Richard Arkwright's country estate, he died before it's completion in 1791 but his son went on the complete the build. It remained the Arkwright's family home until 1922. Today it is a hotel.

Fantastic views from every angle, a couple of benches at the top, well worth the climb!

Tip by

1.08 km

Cromford Mill

Highlight • Historical Site

Cromford Mill was the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill. It was built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright.

Tip by

3.10 km

Black Rocks

Highlight • Forest

An impressive gritstone outcrop, Black Rocks and its surroundings are superb hiking territory. A steep ascent from the car park and the trails below bring you to the top. From there you can explore the Forestry Commission woodlands of Cromford Moor or stride out along the High Peak Trail for glorious views towards Matlock Gorge and the Derwent Valley.

Tip by

3.60 km

Bolehill Trig Point

Highlight • Monument

Bolehill has a trig point at 323m. It's the area of high ground south of Black Rocks and northeast of Wirksworth. There are lots of nice walking trails in the area especially through the Big Plantation and across Cromford Moor.

Tip by

4.07 km

Bolehill Trig Point (Cromford Moor)

Highlight • Viewpoint

Cromford Moor is the area of high ground west of the River Derwent and east of Wirksworth. Bolehill at 323m is the highest point, topped with a trig point. Much of the moor is covered by the Big Plantation woodland. Black Rocks to the north is a great gritstone jumble with some classic hard rock climbs.

Tip by

4.93 km

Sheep Pasture Engine House

Highlight • Historical Site

The Sheep Pasture incline house housed the steam beam engine which used to winch the trucks up the hill from the junction with the Cromford Canal and railway. This section of the railway was completed in 1830, it was the first section on the line from here to Whaley Bridge. The railway was used to transport the minerals and stone from the mines in the Peak District. The railway closed in 1967.

Tip by

5.47 km

High Peak Trail – Catch Pit and Cromford and High Peak Railway

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

Not an easy hike in parts but worth it in the end

Tip by

6.46 km

The Catch Pit on the High Peak Trail

Highlight • Historical Site

If the thought of a runaway wagon racing towards you at speeds of up to 120mph on the downhill doesn't appeal to you - the Catch Pit might seem like a great health & safety solution. Although as some of the wagons were packed full of gunpowder, I'm still not certain that the Catch Pit was the complete solution.

Tip by

6.74 km

High Peak Junction

Highlight • Historical Site

High Peak Junction was where the Old Comford and High Peak railway met the Cromford Canal. It is now a great spot to take a break with a shop that sells hot drinks and snacks.

Tip by

7.13 km

Leawood Pumphouse

Highlight • Monument

Leawood Pumphouse was built in 1849 to pump water from the River Derwent into Cromford Canal.

It is still in full working condition, check the website for operating dates throughout the summer season.

Tip by

7.37 km

Cromford Canal and Pump House

Highlight • Trail

just a great walk

Tip by

9.17 km

Cromford Canal towpath

Highlight (Segment) • River

Spot the Cromford canal stegosaurus hiding in the trees

Tip by

9.58 km

Cromford Wharf

Highlight • Rest Area

Dog friendly cafe - if you sit outdoors under cover. Free toilets over other side of car park. Reasonable car park about £3 for about 5 hours or so. In the Summer, there's an old bloke who captains a visitor barge up and down the canal from this point, towed by a beautiful old black and white Clydesdale

Tip by

10.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.65 km

3.19 km

1.23 km

591 m

488 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.91 km

3.43 km

895 m

395 m

356 m

172 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (320 m)

Lowest point (90 m)

Weather

Tuesday 21 July

23°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

April 2, 2023,Black Rocks and High Peak Junction loop from Cromford

We did fully complete this back to the train station, but my phone battery died, lovely hike 🚶‍♀️

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Black Rocks and High Peak Junction loop from Cromford

View from Scarthin Rock

Cromford Mill

Black Rocks

Bolehill Trig Point

Bolehill Trig Point (Cromford Moor)

Sheep Pasture Engine House

High Peak Trail – Catch Pit and Cromford and High Peak Railway

The Catch Pit on the High Peak Trail

High Peak Junction

Leawood Pumphouse

Cromford Canal and Pump House

Cromford Canal towpath

Cromford Wharf

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