21st – 24th July 2023
We joined the Camping and Caravanning Club, Photographic Section for a meet at Cromford Meadows, in the grounds of Matlock Rugby Football Club. We had visited this area a couple of months ago, when we stayed at Middleton (see blog entries for 27th and 30th May 2023).
Much of the time here we were dodging heavy rain showers, but we did manage to explore the area along the Derwent Valley to the south of Cromford and also revisited Cromford Mill, Richard Arkwright’s mill, where there were some people in period dress:
After looking at St. Mary’s Church, where the Arkwright family is buried, we initially walked north, towards Matlock Bath, where to the east of the river is Willersley Castle, which was built by Richard Arkwright as a home, but now is an activity centre.
Turning back south, our walk took us along country paths to the east of the River Derwent, initially climbing up from the road near Cromford Railway Station.
At Lea Bridge, there is the John Smedley Mill, which makes, what is claimed to be “the worlds finest knitwear”. We visited the mill shop, which has a large selection of very fine and beautiful kitted garments, many made from Marino wool.
The mill was built in 1784, nearly 240 years ago, but not all is in current use and looking through a broken window, we could see that a little TLC is required.
Our route took us back down across both the River Derwent and the railway line to the Cromford Canal and High Peak Junction. Here is the start of the High Peak Trail, parts of which we have previously walked (see blog dated 30th May 23). The trail starts with an incline, at the bottom of which are two guard’s vans:
Further down the canal is the steam pump house which is occasionally steamed for demonstration purposes. In use, it would move 4 tons of water with every stroke of the pump. Its purpose was to supply the canal with water from the river. For more information, use the following link: http://www.middleton-leawood.org.uk
Next to the canal aqueduct which crosses the river, lies Peter Nightingale’s Aqueduct Cottage, built for a lock-keeper whose job was to maintain a level of water in the Cromford Canal. It is now owned by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Florence Nightingale is thought to have visited here.
The building has been the subject of extensive renovation and restoration work after 50 years of neglect. You can learn more about the cottage at: https://www.aqueduct-cottage.com
There are some unusual sights:…
…and some wildlife:
"See-u-Later" 
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