Cromford brings together several aspects of industrial history with opportunities to explore the town and its surroundings along the canal and former railway line. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between visiting individual historic sites and spending time on the paths: the attractions tell stories of technology and work, while the trail and canal each form routes in their own right.
Trail and Canal: Two Different Routes
The High Peak Trail is a traffic-free route for walkers and cyclists. It follows the route of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway, running from High Peak Junction near Cromford to Dowlow near Buxton. The route is 17.5 miles long. High Peak Junction is also where the trail meets the Cromford Canal—a good starting point if you are interested in how railway and canal history intersect.
The Cromford Canal can also be explored as a route in its own right: you can follow it for just over five miles between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate. The canal section between these two places is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its entire length. The Cromford Canal is also one of the last remaining important refuges for water voles in Derbyshire. Its protected status and importance for wildlife give the canal another perspective, rooted in nature, alongside its history.
Industrial History on Site
Cromford Mills is a visitor attraction at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. A free exhibition there offers insights into the site’s history, which changed the world. A paid tour focuses on Richard Arkwright’s water-powered inventions. The exhibition and tour have different focuses: you can start by exploring the site’s history or focus on its technological inventions.
High Peak Junction tells the story of the former railway. Some of the old workshop area is open to visitors; conditions may vary because of the historic building. A self-guided audio tour takes you through High Peak Junction and along the Cromford Canal. It brings together two themes that meet at the Junction, without requiring you to join a guided tour.
Leawood Pumphouse also illustrates the practical use of water: it was built in 1849 to pump water from the River Derwent into the Cromford Canal. Leawood Pump and the Leawood aqueduct are listed monuments. Steam demonstrations take place regularly at Leawood Pumphouse from Easter to October; check the specific dates before your trip.
Another technological detail can be found in the High Peak Pump House: it contains a remarkable pump built in 1849 by Graham & Co., Milton Iron Works. The Parish Church of St Mary offers a different perspective on Cromford’s architectural history. T. Gardner built the church in 1792–97; its complete programme of wall paintings is by A.O. Hemming.
Planning Your Journey and Stay
A regular train service between Derby and Matlock stops in Cromford. If you plan to travel by train, check the current timetable in advance. The attractions mentioned vary considerably: some take you inside buildings and exhibitions, while others involve longer routes or seasonal steam demonstrations. Plan your visit around the experiences that matter most to you.
Discover more destinations:
Scarcliffe, Froggatt, Long Eaton, Ripley, Chelmorton, Risley, Edale, Whitwell
For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.
