Cromford: Canals, Railway Routes and Industrial History

Those choosing Cromford as a destination can focus on routes, industrial culture and local history. These themes offer different points of interest: a longer route on foot or by bike, a canal section with designated protected status, as well as historic sites and a church. When planning, consider which of these themes you would particularly like to focus on during your stay.

Routes and Nature Around Cromford

The High Peak Trail is 17.5 miles long and runs from High Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton. The traffic-free route can be used on foot or by bike. It follows the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. This means the trail combines a specific route with the history of the former railway line.

The Cromford Canal can be explored between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate over a little more than five miles. Its stated length clearly distinguishes this section from the 17.5-mile High Peak Trail. You can therefore compare the two routes by their length when planning; their different endpoints also provide a clear guide to which route interests you.

The section of the Cromford Canal from Cromford Wharf to Ambergate is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its entire length. The canal is also one of the last remaining important refuges for water voles in Derbyshire. As well as offering a route to explore, this section of the canal therefore has a connection to nature that is significant beyond Cromford, across the county.

Industrial History by the Canal and Railway

High Peak Junction connects the Cromford Canal and the High Peak Trail. A self-guided audio tour takes you through High Peak Junction and along the Cromford Canal. The old railway workshop area is partially open to visitors; conditions may vary depending on the historic building. This allows you to consider the former railway route and the canal together when exploring the area’s industrial history.

When learning about the pumping stations, their exact names help distinguish their respective stories. Leawood Pumphouse was built in 1849 to pump water from the River Derwent into the Cromford Canal. Regular steam demonstrations take place at Leawood Pumphouse from Easter to October; check the specific dates before travelling. Leawood Pump and the Leawood Aqueduct are protected monuments.

The High Peak Pump House is a different site: it contains a remarkable pump dating from 1849, built by Graham & Co., Milton Iron Works. The same year therefore refers here to a separate pumping station story, not to Leawood Pumphouse. If you are interested in the history of technology, you can understand these two details as different aspects of Cromford’s industrial past.

Cromford Mills and the Parish Church of St Mary

Cromford Mills is a visitor attraction in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a free exhibition about the world-changing history of the site. A paid tour focuses on Richard Arkwright’s water-powered inventions. The exhibition and tour have different focuses: the exhibition explores the history of the site, while the tour focuses on Arkwright’s inventions.

The Parish Church of St Mary also offers a clearly defined historical connection. T. Gardner built the church between 1792 and 1797; its interior features a complete mural scheme by A. O. Hemming. The construction period and murals provide two specific points of interest if you would like to explore Cromford’s history beyond its railway, canal and pumping stations.

Travel by Train

A regular train service between Derby and Matlock stops at Cromford. You can take this rail connection into account when planning your journey and check the timetable for your travel dates. Together with the different route lengths and historical themes, the train service can help you assess Cromford as a destination based on the sights that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Taddington, Doveridge, Bolsover, Glossop, Castleton, Draycott, Willington, Dronfield

For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.