Froggatt: River, Moorland and Industrial History

Nature and history come together in Froggatt. The River Derwent flows through the village; walking trails cross Froggatt Edge, and historic remains lie in the open moorland. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Froggatt, these different themes can help you tailor your trip to your interests.

River, walking trails and moorland

The River Derwent flows through Froggatt. A National Trust circular walk crosses Froggatt Edge. The Froggatt, Curbar and White Edge red deer circular walk offers a different focus: on Big Moor, this route offers the possibility of spotting red deer. The two walking themes can be distinguished as follows: one trail crosses Froggatt Edge, while the other route focuses on the possibility of spotting red deer on Big Moor.

Another point of interest is the remains of a stone circle in open moorland immediately east of Froggatt Edge. They are also less than a kilometre east of the village of Froggatt. Both spatial references are useful for finding your way: the remains lie directly east of the Edge and also less than a kilometre east of the village.

Industrial history at Froggatt Wood Smelt Mill

The Froggatt Wood Smelt Mill complex includes stone water channels, a hearth, extensive slag remains and traces of buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th century. It also includes the ruins of an 18th-century slag mill with a waterwheel. The remains therefore span several centuries, while the mill ruins specifically date to the 18th century. The slag remains point to smelting.

Froggatt Wood Smelt Mill is designated as a Scheduled Monument. Here, the archaeological remains are complemented by a clear heritage designation. The site offers concrete points of interest for a history-focused visit: the stone channels and traces of buildings, as well as the hearth, slag remains and waterwheel.

Architectural history and other historic traces

Froggatt Bridge also brings together different building phases: it dates from the late 17th century and was altered in the mid-19th century. Toll Bar Cottage is a former toll house in Froggatt, dating approximately from 1781 to 1880; today it is a house. Together, the two examples show different aspects of the village’s history, from the later-altered bridge to the former toll house.

The village’s history also includes community life. The Froggatt & District Horticultural Society held its first exhibition in August 1935.

When planning your trip, you can give each theme a different emphasis: the walking routes offer contrasting highlights at Froggatt Edge and the possibility of spotting red deer on Big Moor; the historic sites offer architectural and industrial history from different periods.

Discover more destinations: Risley, Kirk Langley, Bakewell, Willington, Wirksworth, Tansley, Hartington, Hardstoft

For the wider travel overview: Derbyshire.