Rowsley to Matlock Bath - DVH Way Section 4

Location

Derwent Valley, Derbyshire

OutdoorLads shares the exact meeting point with people who have signed up, closer to the date. See the OutdoorLads listing for details.

About this event

The Derwent Valley Trust was set up in 1996 to promote the history, arts, wildlife and leisure opportunities that surround the river Derwent along its 55 mile course through Derbyshire. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way takes us from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District National Park to its end at Derwent Mouth where it flows into the River Trent near Shardlow. The Duke of Devonshire opened the walk at Chatsworth House in 2003.The route takes us through the Chatsworth estate, Derbyshire dales, towns, villages, canals and many points of interests through the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. There are plenty of pubs and tea shops for refreshments along the way. The route follows the riverside path through Derby City and continues southeastwards to the historic inland port of Shardlow. Journey’s end is at Derwent Mouth where the Derwent flows into the River Trent.The route is divided into eight sections of between  ~13 km (8 miles) and ~17 km (10.5 miles), each with a clear public transport solution. All, except the first section, are linear routes. We park at the end, travel to the start, and walk back to our cars. Sections 5, 6, 7 are brilliantly served by the East Midlands Railway Derwent Valley Line (Derby–Matlock, hourly), which runs almost parallel to the trail the whole way. For sections (2, 3, 4 and 8), we use local buses. Each section is a walk in itself. Join one or more, as you wish, or walk all eight sections to complete the whole route through Derbyshire. Please ask other attendees for a lift if you need one.Section 4 - Rowsley to Matlock Bath ~14 km (8.7 miles) Total ascent 190 m (623 ft)Near the start of the walk we visit the tea rooms at Rowsley South Station. This is the northernmost station of the Peak Rail Heritage Railway, a preserved section of the former Midland Railway line, once connecting Manchester Central and London St Pancras. Closed in 1968, this historic route now operates a 4-mile stretch between Rowsley South and Matlock. The Trust aims to re-open the line from Matlock to Bakewell. From Rowsley the Way follows the River Derwent closely at first then visits the quiet, attractive settlements of Churchtown. We will pause at St Helen’s Church where there is a 1,000-year-old yew tree in the churchyard. The route leaves the riverside at Darley Bridge and Oaker before again running alongside the river to enter Matlock.Matlock station is the northernmost terminus for mainline train services on the Derwent Valley Line from Derby. We cross over Matlock Bridge to Hall Leys Park, founded in 1911, where toilets and refreshments are available. From the park we head towards the parish church of St Giles in the Old Matlock district. Pic Tor Recreation Ground takes us to the climb up to High Tor (Giddy Edge) for spectacular views into the valley before we descend through woods back to the river and in to Matlock Bath.There is a link to the OS Maps route for members highlighted in red, below. Well behaved dogs are welcome but must kept under control at all times. Note: If there are no places left on this event, join the waiting list, as people frequently drop out during the week before an event, and you are likely to get a place.All photos obtained online with permission to modify use and share under Creative Commons Licence: Image 1 - Tony Hawes (Geograph) and commons.wikimedia.org by Nissarana (logo), Image 2 - Roger McLachlan (Geograph), Images 3-5 - ODL Derventio.Want to keep in touch with what's going on in the Midlands Central Region? Bookmark our upcoming events list via the short link: https://outdoorlads.events/central