Limestone Way - Matlock Baths

AUTMN/WINTER PROGRAMME

We start our programme in 2025 venturing eastwards to the Peak District to follow the Limestone Way, a 46 mile/74 km waymarked route across the White Peak landscape of the Peak District National Park. The route passes through the dramatic dales and green rolling landscape of the Derbyshire Dales to Rocester on the banks of the River Dove in Staffordshire, passing through several picturesque villages and taking in spectacular scenery and views along the way.

Limestone Way Leg 3. For logistical reasons, we are again walking this leg in reverse, finishing in the lovely town of Matlock Bath. Nestled along the banks of the River Derwent and overlooked by the famous Heights of Abraham this town has been welcoming visitors since the 17th Century, when the discovery of natural springs made it one of England's first true tourist destinations.
A WALK: Tissington to Matlock Bath 11.5 miles, 1857 ft ascent.
After our drop off on the main road we walk slightly uphill to the pretty village of Tissington, before dropping down to cross the Tissington Trail and Bletch Brook and then climbing gradually to reach the village of Parwich. The route continues to undulate across the Derbyshire Dales, following quiet lanes, tracks and paths, through fields marked by limestone walls, passing small hamlets and villages and reaching a high point of 1152 ft just North of Brassington. Shortly afterwards the path crosses the shared route of the High Peak Trail.and Midshires Way, before more rises and falls, passing a large quarry at Grange Mill until, after Bonsall, a final sharp descent into Matlock Bath.

WALK A Link to OS map

WALK B: Carsington Water to Matlock Bath 9 miles, 1322 ft ascent.
Starting at the scenic visitor attraction of Carsington Water, the route initially follows quiet lanes passing through the pretty village of Hopton and gradually climbing to join the High Peak Trail/Mid-Shires Way. We follow this wide, even track for about 1 ½ mile and then leave it to join the Limestone Way where it crosses as referred to above. We then follow the route as described above for the A walk into Matlock Bath.

WALK B Link to OS map

WALK C: WALK C: Cromford Mill to Matlock Bath a leisurely paced 5 mile walk with minimal ascent and descent.
An interesting walk around the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The walk starts in Cromford where, in 1771, Sir Richard Arkwright established the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill, and subsequent model industrial village. The route also incorporates the High Peak Trail and Canal, both described as engineering masterpieces. Finally, there is a short walk into Matlock Bath, where leisure and refreshment opportunities abound.

In the unlikely event of separation from the group or other emergency please take note of the following contact numbers:

Liz Moxham - 07876255849
Frank Jones - 07788736006