High Peak Junction – View of Matlock loop from Wirksworth

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

High Peak Junction – View of Matlock loop from Wirksworth

Hard

4.2

(10)

hikers

High Peak Junction – View of Matlock loop from Wirksworth

05:23

17.5km

620m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 31, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Derwent Valley Mills WHS

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.50 km

Sheep Pasture Engine House

Highlight • Historical Site

The Sheep Pasture incline house housed the steam beam engine which used to winch the trucks up the hill from the junction with the Cromford Canal and railway. This section …

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1.89 km

High Peak Trail – Catch Pit and Cromford and High Peak Railway

Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site

Not an easy hike in parts but worth it in the end

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2.76 km

The Catch Pit on the High Peak Trail

Highlight • Historical Site

If the thought of a runaway wagon racing towards you at speeds of up to 120mph on the downhill doesn't appeal to you - the Catch Pit might seem like …

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3.03 km

High Peak Junction

Highlight • Historical Site

High Peak Junction was where the Old Comford and High Peak railway met the Cromford Canal. It is now a great spot to take a break with a shop that sells hot drinks and snacks.

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4.08 km

Curved Tree on Forest Path

Highlight • Forest

Most unusual tree across the Footpath in Bow Wood

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5.43 km

Breck's Wood

Forest

7.60 km

View of Riber Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Riber Castle is one of the Peak’s famous follies having been built by a local industrialist to reside in at one time. It stands high above Matlock and is a …

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7.80 km

View of Matlock

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice to see people back in the town, seeing it empty during lockdown was sad.

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8.92 km

Knowleston Gardens

Forest

9.43 km

Hall Leys Park, Matlock

Highlight • Settlement

An attractive town on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Matlock has a lot going for it. It rose to prominence in the 19th century, when John Smedley …

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