Walk 10: Matlock Bath Station to Cromford Station
Walk number 10, is a 3 mile hilltop walk between Matlock Bath and Cromford via Riber Castle, providing magnificent views. There is a steep climb and the walk goes through woodlands, fields and along an ancient trackway.
From the station follow the track below the Whistlestop Café towards High Tor and the cable cars. Do not enter the grounds, but turn right and head uphill. At the fork in the path bear right to emerge opposite the White Lion pub. Bear left on the road, and right up the steps in front of Owl Cottage on the Riber Road. Continue up the road and, at the next bend, take the footpath between the cottages. Follow this path. As it joins a stone flagged path, uphill towards Riber Castle.
A tarmac road leads to a junction. Turn right past Riber Hall. Turn left at the pond and take the path on the right by way of squeezer stiles across fields to Hearthstone Farm.
Turn left on the road for approximately 200 yards then bear right up Hearthstone Lane by a cattle grid. Approaching Bilberry Knoll, the summit of this ancient trackway, magnificent views of the Derwent Valley can be enjoyed.
Continue downhill and, after passing a stile on the left, turn right through a stone gateway down the edge of the beech wood. Emerging into fields bear right. Following a line of poles, cross a wall stile and track, and continue downhill to a stile on the left and on down to the road. Turn right under the railway bridge then immediately right up steps to Cromford Station.