Derbyshire Walks
Lumsdale is a steep-sided wooded valley just outside Matlock, where Bentley Brook drops through a string of ruined mills, old ponds and a waterfall. Industry arrived early: by the 17th century the brook's water power was being used to smelt lead, and the valley later ground corn, crushed bone, ground paint minerals and barytes, and bleached textiles. By about 1850 five mills were working in a line, the water passing from one to the next before returning to the stream.
Today the valley is a scheduled monument, owned and cared for by the Arkwright Society, which is named after Richard Arkwright, whose Cromford mill of 1771 was the first successful water-powered cotton-spinning mill. Lumsdale has been described as a forerunner of those more famous developments at Cromford, and as one of the best examples in Britain of a water-powered industrial archaeological site.
The Lumsdale Waterfall walk is a short circular route with free roadside parking at the start. It includes a steady climb and some uneven ground, and it suits a walker who wants to take time over the ruins and the waterfall rather than cover many miles.
Download the Derbyshire Walks App to follow this route with real-time GPS navigation.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Derbyshire Walks app.
Lumsdale Waterfall walk 01
A short circular walk through Lumsdale, the wooded valley near Matlock where Bentley Brook powered a chain of mills. You can see the waterfall, the old mill ponds and the ruined wheel pits, with some uneven ground and one steady climb. Free roadside parking is available at the start, though space can be tight.
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Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.
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On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to get the Derbyshire Walks app.
Explore the area
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