19 October, Rob Tresidder,

Start: Car park (What3Words: treat.dull.multiples; grid ref SK286 538)
immediately N of High Peak Trail, which serves the National Stone Centre and the
Derbyshire Eco centre. Both are worth a visit either before or after the walk, as is
the adjacent Millennium Wall which consists of a score of sections of dry stone
walling characteristic of various parts of the country.
Start time: 10.00 am. Distance: 13k. Climb 600m
The walk will take us past mining and quarrying and some built up areas. So,
lots of variety and lots to look at. A visit to a lead mine will be on offer. It’s a ten
minute walk in and then out the same way. A very short crawl at start. Should be
OK in walking boots. I shall probably be wearing trainers so will change into
Crocs for the visit to the fairly wet passage. Some typical coffin level working,

traces of old railway and galena will be on view. Through Cromford and up behind
Sir Richard Arkwright’s house before descending to Matlock and then walking to
“the Bath” over High Tor, now a free attraction. The walk will end outside the Pav
in Matlock Bath.
From here the wise will be able easily to return to Matlock, Chesterfield, Sheffield,
Barnsley, Wirksworth, Belper and Derby. Bus frequency is 2 – 4 per hour.
To get to the start, I’ll be catching the 6.1 bus which leaves Derby bus station at
0850, though I won’t be getting on until it passes my front door. I’ll get off three
minutes later and guide any Oreads on that bus to the start of the walk via the
Millennium Wall. Other buses include the 6.1 from Bakewell, the X17 from
Sheffield and the 110/111 from Ashbourne. Petrolheads can park at the start (for
a fee) and easily make their way back there from the finish.
Rob Tresidder