Derbyshire Walks

Matlock Bath Walk & Route Map

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DifficultyModerate
Matlock Bath walk, Derbyshire
Matlock Bath · Photo: Michael Dibb

This walk climbs high above Matlock Bath for superb views across the dramatic Matlock Gorge and towards the White Peak.

This walk weaves through woodland, meadows and old lead-mining landscapes to the village of Bonsall, offering a varied and energetic day out with plenty of rewarding scenery.

Download the Derbyshire Walks App to follow this route with real-time GPS navigation.

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At a glance

Matlock Bath Walk

Distance
5.25 miles
Estimated time
3 hours
Route type
Circular
GPS app guided
Yes
Parking
Artists Corner Car Park
53.13126, -1.55935
Characteristics
Woodland, Hills, Countryside, Pub
Ascent
350 m

The walk

Matlock Bath Walk

This is an enjoyable and energetic walk that climbs high above Matlock Bath, rewarding you with some wonderful views across Matlock Gorge and the surrounding countryside.

The walk begins by passing St John's Chapel before climbing through woodland, where you'll catch a glimpse of the Victoria Prospect Tower, part of the Heights of Abraham attraction.

The route then reaches open meadows on higher ground, with far-reaching views towards the White Peak, before continuing to the old lead-mining village of Bonsall. Here you'll pass the village's interesting church, and a short detour into the centre of Bonsall gives you a choice of two pubs for refreshments.

The remainder of the walk offers plenty of variety, passing old mine workings and quarries before crossing farmland and heading through some lovely sections of woodland.

If you have time, you could also make a short detour to Cromford to explore Cromford Mills and the canal, or take a trip on the cable car to the Heights of Abraham. Check their websites for current opening times and visitor information.

There is a fair amount of climbing on this route, and you'll need to cross a busy road near the start of the walk, so take care when crossing.

Time for a stop

Pubs and cafés on this walk

PubKings Head

Navigate the walks

Derbyshire Walks App

Follow the Matlock Bath walk with GPS guidance

The easiest way to follow this route is with the Derbyshire Walks app. Choose the walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you can see you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Derbyshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 250 Derbyshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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Expanded route map for Matlock Bath Walk, a 5.25 mile circular walk in Derbyshire