Froggatt is a destination with several clearly distinct themes: the River Derwent flows through the village, a National Trust circular walk crosses Froggatt Edge, and the Froggatt Wood Smelt Mill complex contains traces of industrial history. Your choice therefore depends on different interests—buildings and historic sites as well as landscape and walking. The following information separates these themes so you can weigh up what you would like to focus on during your stay.
Industrial history of the Froggatt Wood Smelt Mill
The Froggatt Wood Smelt Mill complex is designated a Scheduled Monument. It includes stone water channels, a hearth, extensive slag remains and traces of buildings dating from the 16th to the 18th century. These include the ruins of an 18th-century slag mill with a waterwheel. The dates highlight different aspects: the traces of buildings span several centuries, while the mill ruins date from the 18th century. The combination of channels, hearth, slag remains and traces of buildings helps explain the difference between the entire complex and the individual mill ruin.
Bridge, toll house and society history
Froggatt Bridge also has a multi-phase building history: the structure dates from the late 17th century and was altered in the mid-19th century. These two details help distinguish its original construction date from later changes. Toll Bar Cottage is a former toll house in Froggatt; it is dated to around 1781 to 1880. Today, it is a house. Another historical point of reference is the Froggatt & District Horticultural Society, which held its first exhibition in August 1935. This date complements the building history with a detail about local society life.
River, moorland and stone circle
The River Derwent flows through Froggatt; the remains of a stone circle lie on open moorland immediately east of Froggatt Edge and less than 1 km east of the village. These are different points of reference for choosing what interests you: the river in the village and the stone circle remains on open moorland. The precise location links the stone circle to Froggatt Edge and also gives its distance from the village. This can help you weigh up whether you would rather focus your plans on the river or the archaeological site on the moorland.
Walking with different points of focus
The National Trust circular walk crosses Froggatt Edge. On the Frogatt, Curbar and White Edge red deer circular walk, there is an opportunity to spot red deer on Big Moor. The two walks differ in their stated focus: one crosses Froggatt Edge, while the other offers the possibility of wildlife spotting on Big Moor. When comparing walks, you can weigh up their landscape setting against your interest in wildlife.
Grindleford railway station is 3 miles (4.8 km) from Curbar Gap. This distance provides an additional point of reference for planning around Froggatt and the walking destinations mentioned.
Discover more destinations: Whaley Bridge, Ripley, Birch Vale, Breadsall, Horsley Woodhouse, Duckmanton, Hathersage, Tibshelf
For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.
