6.5 miles /10.4km
This section of the Way includes two optional climbs to spectacular viewpoints, a wealth of fascinating remains from the early days of the Industrial Revolution and easy walking along a disused canal which is now a wildlife reserve. Masson Mills Working Textiles Museum has the finest surviving and best preserved example of a Richard Arkwright cotton spinning mill as well as 100-year-old working looms, water turbines and ‘Titanic’ steam boilers. A little farther on, at Cromford, the first street that Arkwright built for his mill-workers can be seen and there is a bookshop with a huge stock of local interest titles. At High Peak Junction the railway workshops have been faithfully restored to how they would have looked in the 1880s and a visitor centre provides information about this historic transport hub. Not far away, the impressive Leawood Pumphouse is maintained by volunteers and there are occasional steaming days when it can be seen in action.
Terrain
Two significant ascents (avoidable). Paths, pavements, canal towpath.
Public transport
To the start at Matlock, buses from Manchester, Buxton, Sheffield, Chesterfield and Derby; trains from Belper, Derby and Nottingham. From the finish at Whatstandwell, buses to Derby, Matlock, Buxton and Manchester; trains to Matlock, Belper, Derby and Nottingham.
Accessibility
The paths over the Tors are quite steep with steps in places. The pavement along the A6 is an alternative for a wheelchairs & buggies.
The path to Cromford Mill and the canal towpath are suitable for both.
