Whatstandwell Between Canal, Bridges and Countryside

Whatstandwell lies in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales countryside. Open farmland and ancient woodland shape the slopes around the village. The Cromford Canal, historic structures and paths with different terrain offer several ways to plan your trip. If you are looking for a hotel here, you can tailor your stay to whether you mainly want to explore the canal, the countryside or the area’s architectural history.

Countryside and the Cromford Canal

The Cromford Canal is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. The 3.3-kilometre southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is also designated a Local Nature Reserve. At the northern end in Whatstandwell, the nature reserve is accessible. The towpath surface can vary; take this into account when planning your route.

Bridges and transport history

Whatstandwell Bridge was once the only river crossing between Ambergate and Cromford. The road bridge dates from 1796 and has three arches made of dressed gritstone. Hurt’s Wharf also recalls the area’s transport history: the wharf was built in 1794 beside the Cromford Canal, at its junction with the Wirksworth to Alfreton Turnpike. When the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock & Midland Junction Railway was built in 1849, a shallow railway tunnel was constructed beneath Hurt’s Wharf.

Routes through Whatstandwell

A direct public footpath leads through Whatstandwell Station and over canal bridges to the village centre. The five-mile-long former Cromford Canal towpath between Ambergate and Cromford also passes through Whatstandwell. Another route description covers the 3.5-mile walk from Whatstandwell to Ambergate: it climbs steeply across farmland to the old village of Crich, then descends through the woodland of Crich Chase to the level Cromford Canal towpath.

The two routes can be distinguished by their length and course. The route to Ambergate includes a steep climb and passes through farmland and woodland; the five-mile section is a former towpath between Ambergate and Cromford. Walking route and path conditions can change. Check them before setting out.

Getting around and the National Tramway Museum

The nearest bus stops are on the A6 outside Whatstandwell Station. From there, the Transpeak runs hourly, connecting towns and villages along the Derwent Valley and continuing to Bakewell and Buxton. Bus routes and frequencies can change, so check the details before travelling.

The National Tramway Museum is in nearby Crich, Derbyshire, where it has been based for over 60 years. This open-air museum of historic transport features historic collections, an operational tramway and rides on historic trams. Operating details can change; check the latest information before your visit.

Whatstandwell railway station is the museum’s nearest railway station. From there, a steep footpath climbs about a mile uphill to the museum. The approximate distance and climb provide practical guidance for planning this walk; conditions can change.

Discover more destinations: Clowne, Stoney Middleton, Crich, Ault Hucknall, Edale, Repton, Smalley, Alton

For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.