A Days Driving Tour around Matlock

Driving north from Spa Town of Matlock Bath past Mason Mills on the A6 to Matlock, nestled in a deep gorge of the river Derwent with the Heights of Abraham overlooking the old holiday town.

 Take the Alfreton Road through Starkholmes to Riber Castle Zoo & Nature Reserve  which covers over 80 acres for the Wildlife Enthusiasts. Their is an interesting walk from the village of Riber to Lea Hurst  the home of Florence Nightingale.

From the Castle Entrance head to the Ogston Reservoir via Tansley, Clay Cross and Brackenfield. The reservoir was created in 1960's when the river Amber was flooded offering a home for wildlife and a centre for water sports, an ideal place for a relaxing picnic.

Continuing south through Wessington to South Wessington where Wingfield Manor was built by Lord Cromwell - Treasurer to Henry VI, two centuries later it was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads.

Mary the Queen of Scots was imprisoned  for a while before loosing her head in 1587, the crypt remains with the main walls and tower giving an vivid indication of the past majesty of this once fine building.

In Crich an old quarry has been utilised to house an open air Tramway Museum, visitors can ride on the Old Clanking Trams through authentically recreated streets of the early 20th century. A wandering eye may notice what looks like a lighthouse in the hills above Crich, it is in fact a First World War Memorial to the Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

Wandering back towards Matlock Bath there is a Rhododendron nursery at Holloway, after which the road runs alongside the Cromford Canal which it crosses before entering Cromford. Masson Mill the Worlds first Textile  was built here by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1769, it still stands next to the canal he also built to harness the hydro power to drive the mill.

Taking the scenic road through the Griffe Grange Valley through Grangemill turning towards Aldwark to the 18th Century village of Elton after which the road turns north to Robin Hood's Stride on the way to Stanton.

Catcliff Tor is a craggy overhanging rock in the the base of which is carved a 4 foot high cross, believed to have been the work of a Hermit that live in the cave. Nearby two rock towers of grit stone locally known as Inaccessible and Weasel, they are located some sixty plus feet apart which is said to be the giant stride of Robin Hood which is a short stroll from the road.

Passing through Stanton in Peak an area which has steep inclines to the car park of Stanton Moor Plantation from which there are footpaths to the King's Stone and Cork Stone, plus the prehistoric Nine Ladies Stone Circle.

Traveling south through Birchover through Winster after which turn left for Bonsall which was a centre of Lead Mining in the 17th & 18th Centuries with the church dating from the 13th Century. in August the traditional custom of Well Dressing is upheld with the local village water wells being decorated with flowers.

This figure of eight route which when marked on a map offers many variations to suit interest and time available is completed through Cromford and north to Matlock Bath.

Photos and Maps are to follow