Whatstandwell lies in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales countryside, surrounded by hills of open farmland and ancient woodland. The Cromford Canal, Whatstandwell Bridge and structures from the history of the canal and railway give the village several distinct points of interest. When planning, it is worth distinguishing the waterside paths from the steeper routes towards Crich: they have different route profiles.
Canal and nature reserve
The Cromford Canal is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. The southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is also a 3.3-kilometre Local Nature Reserve. The first designation applies to the whole route; the second to this southern section.
The nature reserve can be accessed at its northern end in Whatstandwell. The Cromford Canal towpath runs through the village; its surface can vary. So if you are planning a route here, do not assume that the path conditions are uniform throughout.
Routes with different profiles
The five-mile old towpath between Ambergate and Cromford passes through Whatstandwell. The 3.5-mile route from Whatstandwell to Ambergate takes a different course: it climbs steeply across farmland to the old village of Crich, then passes through the wooded areas of Crich Chase and descends to the flat Cromford Canal towpath.
The two distances therefore describe different routes: a longer towpath route and a shorter, steeply climbing path over Crich. Conditions on the latter route can vary; the towpath surface is not uniform everywhere either. When comparing the two routes, their length and elevation profiles are useful points of difference for planning.
Bridge, wharf and railway tunnel
Whatstandwell Bridge was the only river crossing between Ambergate and Cromford. The road bridge dates from 1796 and has three arches made of dressed gritstone. It connects a specific part of the village’s history with a clearly identifiable structure: the road bridge over the river.
Hurt's 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 the wharf. The wharf, bridge and tunnel represent different types of transport infrastructure; the dates given place their construction in time.
Getting there and visiting Crich
A direct public footpath leads to the centre of the village via Whatstandwell Station and canal bridges. The nearest bus stops are on the A6 outside Whatstandwell Station. From there, the hourly Transpeak service links towns and villages along the Derwent Valley and continues to Bakewell and Buxton. Bus routes and schedules can change; check the service before travelling.
Nearby, in Crich (Derbyshire), the National Tramway Museum has been there for more than 60 years. It is a unique open-air museum and a historic transport attraction, with historic collections, an operational tramway and rides on historic trams. As operating details can change, check the current availability of rides before your visit.
Whatstandwell railway station is the nearest station to the museum. From there, a steep footpath leads uphill for about a mile to the museum. Include this climb in your plans if you want to combine your museum visit with travelling by train.
Discover more destinations: Peak Forest, Grassmoor, Ilkeston, Cromford, Yeaveley, Duckmanton, Earl Sterndale, Chelmorton
For the wider travel overview: Derbyshire.
