Matlock to Matlock Bath walk (circular)

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 3 hours
Parking: Pay and display parking is available in several locations in Matlock.

This four-mile walk starts in Matlock before heading to Matlock Bath over High Tor and back again. The walk has some stunning views and a few hills too. If you don’t fancy the whole thing, you can catch a bus or train back to Matlock from Matlock Bath.

There are some steep cliff edges and sheer drops on this walk, so it might not be suitable for children or dogs. I took Alfie along with me but kept him on his lead at all times.

The route

Start this walk from the centre of Matlock, Crown Square. From here, head to Hall Leys Park and follow the tree-lined path to the river. While you’re in the park, grab a coffee to take with you from the Cafe in the Park. You’ll pass a footbridge here which leads onto Dale Road.

If you fancy a quick detour, there are many vintage and second-hand shops on Dale Road and some nice bars. Bradman’s is my favourite for drinks, and if you’re stopping for lunch, then try some of these dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.

Continue along the path, and you’ll pass the boating lake on your left and the miniature railway on your right. Leaving the park, you’ll then find yourself on Knowleston Place. Look out for a signpost that will direct you to the right. Cross a small bridge into Pic Tor Park.

Turn right and follow the path between the cliffs and the river, known as The Promenade. Pass underneath the next railway bridge and keep to leave the riverbank.

You’ll then reach two bridges. One on your right goes over the river, and the one on the left goes over the path.

Before you get here, you can take a left turn uphill. This turn is signposted War Memorial and will take you up a steep climb to the memorial. It’s worth having a look, and there are some excellent views from here. You can continue along this path to eventually join the original way or head down to go back up.

From the original path, turn left, go under the bridge, and follow the path uphill. You’ll reach some houses on the right, and just before these, turn sharp right, almost back on yourself, and go through the gateway to High Tor grounds. A large Victorian-style sign here makes for a good photo opportunity.

Follow the path as it runs steadily uphill. There are plenty of incredible views along the way, so be sure to stop and take these in. You’ll be able to see down into the Derwent Gorge, Masson Hill, and Riber Castle.

Continue along the path, and you’ll see the cliff face of High Tor in front of you as you reach an open meadow. You’ll pass some picnic benches here.

Continue up, and you’ll reach a seat carved out of the stone wall on your right. Turn right here to follow the steps to the summit.

You have two choices: the risky route along Giddy Edge or the main path, which is a bit less scary. I had Alfie with me, so I decided to take the main path this time – although I’m dying to do Giddy Edge when I get chance!

High Tor is 300 feet high and one of England’s highest inland cliffs. If you’ve got a head for heights, then take the path on the right for Giddy Edge. There is a sheer drop on one side, and it’s a narrow path, but there is a handrail to hold on to.

If you’re not feeling up to it this time, then take the path on the left. Eventually, the two paths join, and you can start to head downhill. The path is easy to follow and waymarked, and it zigzags through some woodland. You can’t go wrong here, just keep heading downhill and following the path.

You’ll come down by the cable car station. Follow the path to the railway bridge and then take the path on the left just before the bridge. Continue along the railway line, and you’ll reach the Matlock Bath station and car park. If you want to cut your walk short here, hop on a train back to Matlock.

You could also head into Matlock Bath for a portion of fish and chips, a go on the arcades or a drink at the pub. If you fancy a sit-down meal, then I recommend The Fishpond. It’s dog friendly too.

If you want to continue your walk, head across the car park to the coach bays. On the far wall behind the coach bays, there is a gap in the wall and a footpath. Follow the stepped path here to the summit viewpoint, where you’ll be able to see Matlock Bath and Gulliver’s Kingdom. This path is called Lovers Walk.

The path soon levels out. Continue along the path until you reach a gate blocking it. Here, turn right and take the stepped path down. Keep heading downwards and following the path.

Once you reach the riverbank, turn right. Cross the bridge over the River Derwent and then turn right to walk through the gardens. Soon you’ll reach the Grand Pavilion. If you’re from Matlock, you’re more likely to know it as “The Pav”!

If you want to catch the bus back to Matlock, you can do so across the road. If you want to continue, cross the road and take the first left at the side of the shops. There is a Chinese restaurant and a vegan café here.

Follow the path uphill, and you’ll see a sign for the Temple Hotel. Turn right and then left, and you’ll see a sign for the Heights of Abraham. Don’t walk up here but instead follow the road downhill.

Take the footpath on your left after around 100 yards. This path is signposted to Matlock. Go up through the woods. Here you’ll pass over a bridge and then under the cable cars. Continue along the path, and you’ll come to a lane.

Turn right and head downhill before turning right again onto St John’s Road. Here you’ll find a chapel built in 1897 as part of the Arts and Crafts movement.

After the chapel, take a left which is signposted as a footpath. Keep along the path, over some stiles. Here you’ll see fantastic views of High Tor and Riber Castle. Soon you’ll come to a stile in the wall which is waymarked.

Go through here and then head diagonally left across the field towards a gap in the hedge. Here you’ll get a spectacular view of the whole of Matlock. Cross the next field, then continue down across the next field until you reach a stone stile by some building.

Keep going, and you’ll emerge onto Snitterton Road and then Dale Road, back where you started in Matlock.

I got this route from the Derbyshire Dales District Council. They have a small number of routes for walks near Matlock on their website here. Maps are available here, too, if you prefer to follow one.

Other walks in Derbyshire

If you’ve enjoyed this walk, check out my other favourite Derbyshire and Peak District walks and the best walks in Chesterfield.

I like to plan my walks using the Ordnance Survey app. You can plan routes on here as well as follow routes which others have done before with easy to use navigation.