I had planned to drive out to Baslow but on the spur of the moment decided to stop at Matlock /and do the section of the Derwent Valley trail along the cliffs. I did this a few years ago as part of the Rowsley to Belper leg. I parked at the pay and display next to the Derwent halfway between Matlock and Matlock Bath.
I headed along the road back to the centre of Matlock, and then headed through tthe park following signs to Pic Tor / War Memorial. The trail from there was straightforward with a spur of the track to visit the war memorial.
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| Riber Castle |
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| War Memorial with fantastic view of Matlock |
I stopped at High Tor for a bite to eat and then went to have a look at the start of Giddy Edge - a narrow ledge along the cliffs with a 2 - 3 hundred foot drop. It has a hand rail but I took one look and didn't fancy it !!!. However, I am compelled to go back and attempt it.
After High Tor the track starts to descend down to the cable car terminus and the A6. It was just a short walk back to the car park from there.
A modest , but enjoyable 3 miles. I think next time I do this I'll add a loop back along the cliffs on the other side of the A6.
