The best walks and hikes around Matlock Bath CP CP

Down on the Derwent

Not to be confused with the Lake District’s magnificent Derwentwater, Derbyshire’s River Derwent is one of the Peak District’s major rivers. Its source is north of the Kinder Scout plateau and it flows down the eastern side of the Peak District through the rugged moorland valleys to the luscious, vibrant greenery of Matlock Bath and beyond. 

Some of the best hiking trails around Matlock Bath are oriented around the Derwent purely by the strength of its presence. The area around the village is particularly stunning to discover by foot as trails zigzag their way up the gorge’s steep sides and give you views down the twisting valley. Matlock Bath is famed amongst walkers for High Tor and Giddy Edge. With panoramic views across to Masson Hill, the trails on this sheer cliff will get your adrenaline going. 

The best view, albeit the busiest as well, is from the summit of Masson Hill. At 1,111 feet (339 m), Masson Hill looks south across rolling hills and north up the heavily-forested valley to Matlock Town. Here you’ll also find the Heights of Abraham Country Park which has plenty of trails within its 60-acre estate. There are innumerable paths in the surrounding area and you can explore for hours, even days, without running out of new twists and turns. 

Out and about near Matlock Bath

With restaurants, shops and even a little theme park, Matlock Bath is an ideal place to base yourself if you’re staying in the area. The village has a lot going on and is so close to neighbouring Matlock town that you can easily explore the shops and restaurants there too.

Walks from Matlock Bath will take you past farms, across hills and through endless woods and you don’t have to travel far for even more hiking adventures. North of Matlock town you’ll find Darley Dale with its wide valley and numerous moors, dales and plantations. To the west, you can hike on Stanton Moor and track down its four Bronze Age stone circles. 

The Derwent’s winding valley is dotted with towns and for further hikes from Matlock Bath, you can hop on the valley’s train line. This gives you the option to begin trails further along the Derwent and wind your way back to Matlock Bath on foot.