The 3 best Matlock Walks

Matlock is located on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenery and is a popular place to walk and explore. Here are our best 3 Matlock walks on the Derbyshire Walks app.

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Here is a route map for Matlock walk 1 on the app

Matlock Walk Route Map — © OpenStreetMap contributors
Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2021

Matlock, River Derwent and Abraham Park walk
5 miles

This strenuous and hilly walk follows the River Derwent south out of Matlock before crossing the river and ascending steeply to the Heights of Abraham. The Heights of Abraham is a park including a network of caverns and a hilltop estate. A fee applies to enter the attraction and exceptional views are available on a clear day from the top. From there it is a short descent back to the car park. About a third of the way around the route, there is a short detour to 'Giddy Edge' which is a scary cliff edge path section - this is only for the brave. We haven't taken this route actually along Giddy Edge, but it passes close and as there are still cliff edges around this area, please be very careful at all times.

Matlock Bath walk
4.5 miles

This is an interesting, enjoyable and energetic walk which takes you high above Matlock Bath giving some wonderful views across Matlock Gorge. The start of the walk takes you past St John’s Chapel then up through the woods where you will see a glimpse of The Victoria Prospect Tower (part of the Heights of Abraham attraction). From there you will travel to meadows on high ground giving fine views of the far away White Peak. Then, on to the old lead mining village of Bonsall with its interesting church and, if you detour into the village, two pubs to choose from for refreshments. The rest of the walk is very varied, passing old mine shafts, quarries, over farmland and through beautiful woodland. If you have time you could take a short detour to Cromford to visit Cromford Mills and Canal, or take the cable car to the Heights of Abraham (Please check websites for details). You will need to cross a busy road at the start of the walk and there is a fair amount of climbing.

Matlock and the Limestone Way walk
6.25 miles

This alternative longer walk heads out of Matlock along the River Derwent and on to the Heights of Abraham (see route 1 for details of Heights of Abraham) but then follows the Limestone Way for a longer but more gradual return to the car park. About a fifth of the way around the route, there is a short detour to 'Giddy Edge' which is a scary cliff edge path section - this is only for the brave. We haven't taken our route actually along Giddy Edge, but it passes close and as there are still cliff edges around this area, please be very careful at all times. This is also a very hilly and strenuous walk with lots of steep climbing, to please go prepared with the energy, clothing and refreshments you need to tackle this adventure.