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Riber Castle, Cromford & Matlock Bath loop from Matlock

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Riber Castle, Cromford & Matlock Bath loop from Matlock

Moderate

4.5

(61)

197

hikers

Riber Castle, Cromford & Matlock Bath loop from Matlock

04:26

15.2km

390m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 8, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

192 m

Hall Leys Park, Matlock

Highlight • Settlement

An attractive town on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Matlock has a lot going for it. It rose to prominence in the 19th century, when John Smedley developed the town as a desirable spa destination.

Today it makes for a great base for exploring the national park. There's some lovely walks to the south around Matlock Bath too, where High Tor and the Heights of Abraham boast sublime views. A host of amenities and accommodation can be found in the town, with many of its cafes, pubs, restaurants and independent shops clustered around Dale Road and Crown Square.

Tip by

2.02 km

View of Riber Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Riber Castle is one of the Peak’s famous follies having been built by a local industrialist to reside in at one time. It stands high above Matlock and is a 19th century grade 2 listed country house situated in the hamlet of Riber. It is 853 feet above sea level, high above the Derwent Valley, and it comprises of 90 feet high towers and over 145 feet of battlement walls. The drive up to it is not for the faint hearted! Its black silhouette on the hill can be seen for miles around and until recently, it sadly fell into disrepair.

Riber was constructed in 1862-1868 by a man famed for the good care he took of his workers, John Smedley. He was a Victorian mill owner and philanthropist. This was the second impressive structure developed by this local entrepreneur, responsible for building the impressive Hydro on Matlock Bank, four stories high, 200 feet long and 50 feet wide. It has beautiful gardens stretching down the hillside and offered a world-famous water cure all until it closed in the 1950s. Today the building is the headquarters of Derbyshire County Council.

Tip by

6.27 km

Lea Wood Ancient Woodland

Highlight • Natural

Ancient woodland loaded with birds and other wildlife. Carpets of bluebells in late spring make this a great place to visit in April.

Tip by

8.18 km

Cromford Canal towpath

Highlight (Segment) • River

Spot the Cromford canal stegosaurus hiding in the trees

Tip by

9.23 km

Cromford Mills and Canal

Highlight • Monument

One of the cradles of the Industrial Revolution, Cromford is a scenic village with a rich history. The village will forever be associated with the pioneering endeavours of Sir Richard Arkwright, who built the world's first water powered cotton mill here.

With plenty of eateries and amenities, Cromford is a good base for hiking in the area. The Cromford Canal links the village to the High Peak Railway, both of which make for excellent walks. Meanwhile, the many delights of the Peak District are just a short drive away.

Tip by

10.9 km

Lovers' Walk, Matlock Bath

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lovers Walk was possibly the earliest example of a public pleasure ground. It was originally a series of paths on the east side of the river Derwent accessed by a ferry boat. The bridge was installed in 1969.

Tip by

13.0 km

High Tor and Giddy Edge

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

The footpath along the summit is commonly known as Giddy Edge, unfenced and not recommended for small children . There is a small metal handrail afixed to the inside edge (of the cliff) totally spectacular.

Tip by

15.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.05 km

4.87 km

1.64 km

1.21 km

1.14 km

1.09 km

196 m

Surfaces

6.95 km

3.72 km

1.85 km

1.78 km

748 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (280 m)

Lowest point (90 m)

Weather

Saturday 9 May

12°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Trail Reviews

Jux

February 3, 2024, Riber Castle, Cromford & Matlock Bath loop from Matlock

Riber Castle wasn't worth the incline (buildingworks), but it was a good workout.

Riber Castle, Cromford & Matlock Bath loop from Matlock

Hall Leys Park, Matlock

View of Riber Castle

Lea Wood Ancient Woodland

Cromford Canal towpath

Cromford Mills and Canal

Lovers' Walk, Matlock Bath

High Tor and Giddy Edge

Nearby routes

Trail Reviews

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