atlock Parks Get back to Nature Illuminations The five parks along this section of the River Derwent are This historic annual event, which takes places on Saturday and Sunday Ancient Woodlands evenings during September and October, features a unique parade of owned and managed by Dales District Council The age, structure and composition of these woods strongly illuminated and decorated boats on the River Derwent. First held to and have been carefully restored to provide a continuous suggest that they are a remnant of the ancient woodland celebrate Queen Victoria ’s Diamond Jubilee, this magical event includes cover of the limestone dales. scenic riverside and cliff path walk all the way from spectacular clifftop firework displays on certain Saturday evenings (contact Matlock Tourist Information Centre on 01629 583388 for Matlock to Matlock Bath. The formal parks and riverside Matlock Woods are one of the best examples of ash-elm woodland in the country. Ash is the dominant tree in the woods, dates). Viewing of the parade of illuminated boats is from Derwent walks at both ends of the 2.4 mile linked route are well and although many elms were killed off in the 1970s by Dutch Gardens at Matlock Bath. A park and ride service operates from Matlock (County Hall) and Meadows on firework nights. paved, lit, and friendly to pushchairs and wheelchairs. Elm disease ,the Matlock Woods’ elms are making a come back. These woods are particularly important for having Matlock Bath Illuminations are organised and funded You can “dip in” to the 5 parks at various points along the walks a large population of the two native lime trees, small-leaved by District Council, supported (see guide map overleaf). Frequent buses and regular train lime (Tilia cordata) and large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos). by local businesses. services run between Matlock and Matlock Bath, and car parks Lime occurs largely on the steepest slopes and cliffs, which Rocks & Rakes are available at specific points along the main A6 trunk road. protected them from being felled. The distinguishing feature If you stand facing the oncoming water of the River Derwent of lime trees is the mass of scented white flowers that you are looking roughly north. Enjoy the bustling pleasures of the formal parks, take in appear in June. The hills sloping down on the left are limestone, built up over a concert or an event, and make sure you don’t miss the On the ground bramble (Rubus fruticosa), dogs mercury millennia by the bodies and shells of millions of sea creatures. The unique local attractions. Stride out across the cliff-top (Mercurialis perennis) and harts’ tongue fern (Phyllitis lower slopes to the right, east of the river, have a gritstone bedrock. paths to experience the dramatic views and the peace scolopendrium) are widespread. Rare species also appear Gritstone can be shaped into regular blocks and ‘weathers’ to a dark of the ancient woodlands. such as stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus), Solomon’s seal brown or black, but if split open its natural colour can range from (Polygonatum multiflorum) and wood fescue (Festuca altissima). yellow to red and pink. Between the limestone and the gritstone, a There is something here for everyone - whatever your thin layer of shale or mudstone has been deposited. Easily eroded, age or capability. the course of the River Derwent now clearly marks this boundary. Grassland & Flowers Important to the structure of this valley are old lava beds known This £3.5 million restoration was undertaken by Derbyshire Dales High Tor represents the best example of natural grassland to District Council with support from a number of local as basalt, a coarse rock with many holes like a fossilised sponge. Tourist Information be found within the parks. Calcarious grasslands form on the It was the layer of basalt that diverted the Derwent round the cliffs organisations, and substantial help from the Heritage Lottery Fund. thin soils of the cliff tops. Here the limestone bedrock keeps the of Pic Tor, High Tor and Lovers’ Walks. For comprehensive information on accommodation in the area, pH of the soil higher, essential for crested hair grass and more walks, events and public transport as well as a great range of maps showy flowers such as field garlic, wild thyme and rock rose. The higher ground to the east of the Derwent is limestone, built up of many layers, or strata, like the layers of an onion. But the dramatic and gifts, visit one of the Tourist Information Centres below: The top meadow on High Tor has deeper soil with a neutral pH dome forming the peak of High Tor has no layers; it is an ancient that allows more plant diversity. A walk in June will leave your Matlock Tourist Matlock Bath Tourist fossilised algae reef. Many fossils can be found in the local rocks, Information Centre Information Point shoes dusted with pollen from nearly forty species. These most common are segmented tubes called ‘crinoids’. An exposed (opposite Hall Leys Park ) (next to Derwent Gardens ) This information is available free of charge grasslands are mown each year. If the grass and flowers were fossil bed on the south slope of High Tor contains fist-sized domes not cut they would rot down allowing rank grasses, nettles Crown Square Mining Museum in electronic, audio, Braille and large print spring sandwort of an extinct clam called Gigantoproductus. and bramble to take over and, after many years, there would Matlock The Pavilion, Matlock Bath Huge fissures or ‘rakes’ can be versions, and in other languages on request. be fresh woodland. This is known as ‘succession’. DE4 3AT DE4 3NR For assistance in understanding or reading found in the limestone containing A second rare habitat is the ‘metalliferous’ plant community. many minerals, but the most Tel: 01629 583388 Tel: 01629 583834 this document, please call 01629 761252. The Matlock parks are riddled with lead veins known as ‘rakes’. significant of these is lead. These Email: [email protected] Lead mining can result in localised soil contamination and very rakes can be tens of meters Designed by Paul McLean Graphic Design www.paulmcleangraphicdesign.co.uk few plants can grow in these conditions. Produced by Smyth Creative [email protected] wide, hundreds of meters deep Those that do are rare but often the prettiest, The annual Peak District & Derbyshire visitor guide Edited by Gill Chapman, Tourism Officer, Derbyshire Dales District Council and many miles long. An ingot such as spring sandwort (Minuartia verna), includes a wide range of places to stay – hotels, B&Bs, Photography by Ashley Franklin, Andrew Eyley, Robin Smyth and courtesy of or ‘pig’ of Roman lead was Derbyshire Dales District Council and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire alpine penny cress (Thlaspi caerulescens), found in Cromford churchyard self catering cottages and campsites. Pick up Printed by Dunston Printers Limited May 2010 and several orchids. and lead mining continued to a copy from one of the centres above or on Published by Derbyshire Dales District Council Town Hall MATLOCK Derbyshire DE4 3NN be a major employer in this www.visitpeakdistrict.com. The website Tel: 01629 761252 Email: [email protected] www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk area until the early 1900’s. also enables you to check up-to-date Whilst every effort has been taken compiling this publication and the statements it contains, the Council cannot accept responsibility for the products or services advertised. availability and book accommodation online. bee orchid alpine penny cress High Tor

Explore the Derwent Valley...  The Derwent Valley Heritage Way World Heritage Site atlock This 55-mile scenic route explores the Stretching 15 miles from Matlock Bath beauty and heritage of the River Derwent, to the UNESCO designated Derwent passing through the five parks at Matlock and Valley Mills World Heritage Site comprises a Matlock Bath on its route from Ladybower series of mills built in the late 18th century, Reservoir in the north to its confluence with with their associated communities, all the in the south. in a superb natural setting which offers Parks fascinating canal and riverside walks. Along the way it passes through the superb scenery of the Peak District National Park, Harnessing the power of the River Derwent Discover the five parks between Chatsworth and the UNESCO Derwent to drive them, the mills date from the start Matlock and Matlock Bath... Valley Mills World Heritage Site. After Derby of the and include the the Way continues to the historic inland world’s first successful water-powered port of Shardlow before its journey’s end. cotton spinning mill built by pioneer Sir at Cromford. , above Hathersage It can be enjoyed either as a continuous long- distance walk or as a series of shorter walks. To see historic working machinery don’t The route is waymarked with small yellow miss Masson Mills, on the A6 between and purple discs and is described in a Jarrold Matlock Bath and Cromford, where there guidebook (ISBN 0-7117-2958-1) available Masson Mills is also a shopping village and restaurant. from Matlock Tourist Information Centre. The guidebook contains extracts from 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 1, 24,259 and 260. Walking the whole route over a few days offers a fascinating insight into the river, its many landscapes and heritage. Chatsworth Inside Masson Mills Family Fun... Don’t Miss... The Peak District Mining Museum and Temple Mine Don’t miss a year round programme of events in the parks Experience the forgotten world of a Derbyshire leadminer at this (ask at a Tourist Information Centre for details), including: fascinating museum housed in the Pavilion at Matlock Bath. Christmas Victorian Market, Hall Leys Park, Matlock Gullivers Gulliver’s Theme Park First weekend in December. Young children will love this family theme park, Raft Race on the River Derwent, with rides including a roller coaster and log Matlock to Cromford flume, all set in the cliffs at Matlock Bath. 26 December (Boxing Day). Matlock Bath Aquarium Matlock Bath Illuminations Many species of fish and marine life are on display, plus a petrifying well, Illuminated boats on the river on Saturday hologram gallery and photographic exhibition. and Sunday evenings (September and October) The plus a spectacular firework display on Take a dramatic cable car ride across the valley to visit show caverns certain Saturdays. and exhibitions at this unique clifftop attraction. Ranger led guided walks Guided walks into the surrounding countryside, Travel 4 miles up the line from Matlock Riverside on one of the regular weekly from Hall Leys Park (brochure available Matlock Bath Illuminations steam and diesel passenger trains. from the Tourist Information Centre). www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk Over the last 250 years the Derwent Valley between Matlock and Matlock Bath has  attracted many visitors taking advantage of the thermal waters and the spectacular landscape. Matlock Bath became a popular place on the tourist trail in the late 1600s when the warm thermal springs were used to create the first atlock Discover the five parks between ‘bath house’. Several buildings in Matlock were originally hydropathic hotels offering mineral water treatments. Matlock and Matlock Bath... The area has seen many industrial developments and social changes. These parks celebrate that history and provide pleasures now and for generations to come. More details on the history of the parks are on information panels in both Hall Leys Park Parks and Derwent Gardens, along with other panels at strategic points along each park walk.

To Peak Rail Line Police Station Pushchair/Wheelchair Friendly Shops / Food 1. Hall Leys Park History Matlock Started at the end of the 19th century as a Station HALL LEYS retains the traditional features of a well- Things to do... riverside promenade, the park that survives appointed ornamental park. The walk follows the avenue today is very similar in general layout to the Hall Leys The park has excellent facilities including putting of trees next to the river right through the park. You will pass original design. Hall Leys Park was officially and bowling greens, a children’s boating lake, MATLOCK Park opened in 1911 to celebrate the coronation a footbridge over the River Derwent showing the levels miniature railway, tennis courts, a dynamic of King George V. Shops / Food of the river in flood in past years. A detour over this bridge skateboard park, and a children’s interactive play Play In the late 1960s Park enters the “Sensory Garden” – a small shady area planted area. With well-surfaced paths, plenty of benches, Sensory the bed of the River A6 with delightful aromatic and tactile varieties. good lighting and clear open spaces, the park is Garden a regular venue for major events, competitions Derwent was lowered Back over the bridge and, following the avenue to the south and festivals. The café and ticket office also display and a retaining wall end of the park; look for a signpost that directs you to the a useful range of information panels that illustrate erected giving the park an important roll in right, over a bridge, and into Pic Tor Park... the history and features of all five parks. War the local flood defences. Memorial Pic Tor River Derwent 2. Pic Tor Riverside Walk - Pushchair/Wheelchair Friendly History This park is really 3 different areas; THE PATH over the bridge links to the “Promenade” which runs between the cliffs Knowleston Gardens, the riverside Artists Corner Things to look for... and the River Derwent. A detour to the left takes you to Knowleston Gardens and the Promenade, and the Tor itself. rock Terraces, where the features and character of this part of the original promenade Lead Mining: From the path look up 200 years ago the Gardens were have been retained. and spot old mine shafts cut into the a hive of industrial activity linked face of the cliff. to lead mining. In the mid 19th The area surrounding this entire route is a Local Nature Reserve and the path is lit and The War Memorial route: This shady century this area was landscaped well surfaced. As the path begins its descent towards the railway bridge, a rough woodland path through the woods climbs steeply, with steps, into formal terraces with grand High Tor path to the left is signposted to the War Memorial. twists and turns, to the Memorial at the summit houses behind and the Promenade of Pic Tor. The panoramic views over Matlock was constructed as a tourist attraction. The main path allows you to cross the river for a walk back into Matlock, or alternatively and the surrounding countryside make the effort The park grounds were purchased in turn left and follow the path steeply uphill to High Tor. At the park exit (and before the very worthwhile. 1921, and the War Memorial built on A6 first house) turn immediate right and through the substantial gateway into High Tor... the summit of Pic Tor.

High Tor

3. High Tor History

In the second half of the THE CLEARLY marked paths lead you through woods and grasslands, so suitable footwear Did you know? 19th century, Peter Arkwright is strongly recommended. The walk includes fairly strenuous uphill sections and, with the cliff (grandson of Sir Richard edge nearby, children should be supervised at all times. As the path winds uphill you will reach The “Grand Walk”: The wide uphill Arkwright, founder of the the first cliff-top viewpoint looking down into the Derwent Gorge. Continuing on the path you path at the start of this park is the route mills at nearby Cromford) reach open meadow and see the cliff face of High Tor ahead. At the top of the meadow the of the original “Grand Walk”. Around opened the grounds at 200 years ago those that could afford it High Tor to the public. path narrows and turns right, with steps leading you towards the summit. Please take extreme would have made their way to the New walks and a carriage The Heights care near the cliff edges – High Tor, at 300 feet, is one of the highest inland cliffs in ! summit by horse and carriage! of Abraham Cable Car Station ride to the summit were to The Heights The next section of the walk presents you with a choice. The adventurous route is signposted Protecting wildlife: The woodland created as an ‘alpine route’ of Abraham to the right as “Giddy Edge”. This is a rough and narrow cliff-edge path but there are handrails descent from the summit is home to linking Matlock and for safety. The main path bears left along the summit and eventually the two paths rejoin. From many rare species - please keep to the Matlock Bath. footpaths, always heading downhill. The viewpoint at Shops / Food here a stepped path zigzags sharply downhill through ancient woodland. At the end of the park the summit bears Matlock Bath follow the road downhill towards the rail bridge and take the path to the left signposted The Heights of Abraham: This park Matlock Bath the name “Little Matlock Bath Railway Station. ends by the Heights of Abraham cable Aquarium Station Switzerland”, MATLOCK car station. This popular attraction was attributed to BATH You can choose to finish your walk at the station catching a train back to Matlock, or catch opened in 1984 as the first ‘Alpine style’ Lord Byron. a frequent bus a short distance away on the main road. To continue this walk, a signpost cable car in the UK. at the exit to the station points you across the car park to the start of “Lovers’ Walks”...

Shops / Food Lovers’ Walks

Pirate Play Park Riverside Walk Only - Pushchair/Wheelchair Friendly History To Cromfor 4. Lovers’ Walks

Peak District Created in 1742, this is the Mining Museum/ THE PARK entrance is through two semicircular walls and signposted. A gravel path d and Derby oldest park and believed to be Grand Pavilion bears right and soon enters woodlands, rich in wildflowers and designated a Site of Special Yo-ho-ho! the earliest continuously used Derwent The Cascades Scientific Interest. The park is also a local Nature Reserve so please do keep to the marked Along the public pleasure ground in the paths. This walk follows the stepped path uphill to the summit viewpoint, riverside country. The original walk was Gardens where you get an impressive aerial view of Matlock Bath. Throughout the a children’s play a riverside path leading to a area, in the form woodland area waymarked steep paths, with handrails at the most challenging view of the Cascades; a natural Gulliver’s of a pirate ship, waterfall from a thermal spring. Theme Park River Derwent N points, link the cliff-top walk with the well surfaced riverside path below. makes this part A6 Another path from the Cascades directed of the park a popular Follow the stepped path down the cliffs, past the natural waterfall called the place for locals visitors 200 feet to the top of the cliff. Cascades, to reach the riverside walk. Cross the first footbridge over the These original paths were accessed by taking To Derwent Valley Mills and visitors alike. Derwent and enter the final park – Derwent Gardens... a short ferry trip across the River Derwent. World Heritage Site, Cromford; and Derby

Map Key 5. Derwent Gardens Pushchair/Wheelchair Friendly History Walk Trail Tourist Information Secondary Trail Parking The current park was a combination of A STROLL around this delightful park emphasises the Hall Leys Park Points of Interest 2 areas, the Ferry Grounds and the adjoining Toilets features that originally made Matlock Bath such a famous meadow area known as Orchard Holme. Pic Tor spa. Many of the historic fountains and ornamental pools Matlock Bath Illuminations: In the meadow area several Derwent Gardens are the viewing area High Tor Train Station fed by the thermal springs have been restored, as have the thermal springs bubbled for the famous Matlock Bath Illuminations ~ grottos and alcoves built from the local “tufa” rock. The out of the ground and ran Lovers’ Walks Viewpoint held on the River Derwent on Saturday into the river. This site was refurbished walkways, excellent disabled access and children’s and Sunday evenings during September Derwent Gardens Railway Line & developed in the late 19th play areas reflect the civic pride in this popular park. and October. (See panel overleaf).

A6 century as an amusement Woodland Main Road The exit to Derwent Gardens, and the end to our walk, More information: The Pavilion now houses the Peak District park for the increasing Cliff River & Bridges crosses the front of the original Grand Pavilion. Mining Museum and Tourist Information point. number of ‘day trippers’ brought by the railway.