White Peak Loop

The White Peak Loop is an ambitious project by Derbyshire County Council and The Pedal Peak Project to install a lengthy multi-user path around the Peak District of Derbyshire, joining with some existing paths, notably the Monsal and High Peak Trails.

It is currently under construction at several places and here we look at the section running Northwards from Matlock towards Rowsley, which generally follows the route of the Peak Rail Heritage Railway and the River Derwent. 

If travelling to Matlock by train from Derby, which takes only 35 minutes, costing a little over £4 with a Railcard, you need to ride a short distance from the station along the shared path Northwards alongside the A6 road signed Bakewell and Rowsley.

 Follow the Bakewell Road out of Matlock, turning left at the roundabout ahead.

                                          Watch out for these signs.

This is the short access path which leads to the first railway crossing at Darley Dale. Turn right after crossing the line.

 Yet to have it's top surface laid, the path runs alongside the Peak Rail track.

Although it has been necessary to fell a few trees, some magnificent specimens remain 

 And the scenery to the West side of the path makes this a top class cycle ride.

From Harrison Way Northwood, this path through the woods will eventually take us right through to Rowsley.

The current termination of the path is here at Old Station Close, Rowsley.

A section of the (almost) finished path between Churchtown and Harrison Way Northwood can be seen on YouTube HERE