The Cromford Canal

The Cromford Canal runs between Cromford and Ambergate, a distance of about 5 miles. There are no locks, so the towpath is entirely flat, and it has a good well drained surface.  It runs down the Derwent Valley alongside the A6 trunk road, and the Derby to Matlock Railway. The River Derwent meanders nearby and the canal crosses it on an aqueduct at one point.
Although the route is OK for cycles, it also makes a fine walk, where you can better view the scenery and the abundant wildlife.  The whole length of the canal is a site of Special Scientific Interest and is administered by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
The Friends of Cromford Canal are concerned with maintaining and improving the waterway, since not being a natural feature, it is not self-sustaining.
For further information see:
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust:  Click  HERE
Friends of Cromford Canal:  Click THIS




We start from Cromford Mill, where there are shops, a café and toilets. It was once the largest cotton mill in the UK and it's builder, Richard Arkwright became one of the wealthiest men in the country.



The Cromford end of the canal is here at Cromford Wharf.  Originally it ran all the way to Langley Mill, where it joined the Erewash Canal.

Feeding the ducks is a popular pastime with both children and ducks.  Lots of mallard, coots and moorhens are to be seen all along the canal.



Here is the aqueduct which carries the canal over the River Derwent.  The tall chimney is that of Lea Bridge Pumping Station, where a steam engine was used to pump water from the river into the canal.  The engine has been restored and may be seen working at certain times of the year. The little swing bridge swivels to permit the passage of boats.

 

Entrance to the short tunnel.

And the end.

This house came up for sale some time ago and fetched close on £1m.

 

Back on the A6 road at Ambergate with the Hurt Arms on the right.  Best place for food is the café ahead (behind the caravan).  It is closed on Mondays.

Notes for Walkers
There are several options for walkers regarding access to the Cromford Canal, since the A6 Derby to Matlock road is well served by buses, in particular the Trent-Barton TransPeak service, which runs hourly. 
There are three bus stops of interest;
One at Cromford,  just before the traffic lights, from where it is but a short distance to the Mill and Canal.
Another at Ambergate just beyond the recommended café.
And one at Whatstandwell Station giving the option of  doing either half of the walk.
Although we walked North to South, going in the opposite direction has the advantage of not having the sun in your eyes.

Kedleston Hall Circuit

Derbyshire has a good selection of stately homes, most now in the hands of the National Trust.
Kedleston Hall is the nearest to the City of Derby, and was built by Sir Nathaniel Curzon in about 1760
This ride, in length some 8 miles, takes us to the Hall through the expansive and beautiful parkland grounds, returning to the start point by a circular route.  Off-road parts of the route are poorly surfaced, so  not recommended for bikes with delicate tyres, and Kedleston Road can have fast traffic, so not suitable for cyclists of a nervous disposition.
Having said that, a great ride over a variety of surfaces, and there are some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside to the South where the foothills of the Pennines give way to the flatter lands of the Trent Valley.
Highlight of the ride is, of course,  Kedleston Hall and it's parkland.
The start is at the entrance to the Mundy Play Centre on Markeaton Lane which runs between Kedleston Road and Asbourne Road.
A map of the route is available free from Cycle Derby and from local Tourist Offices.

Exit right from the car park................................

......turning first left in 75m at this sign.

Follow the lane past Markeaton Stones           

................and past the cottages.



Onto the bridleway.............................

........which can be muddy after rain.

Past this gate.

Across the fields..............................................

........................turning right at the tee junction with the tarmac lane..........................

......and downhill to cross Markeaton Brook on this bridge.

Houses at Allestree on the right.

 

And on to the junction with Kedleston Road, where we turn left, uphill in this direction.

Passing the Kedleston Hotel.

Pass the entrance to Kedleston Park Golf Club.



Prepare to turn off the main road.............................

....................................at the lodge gate ahead.

..................and into the park.

Follow the road through the park, heading towards the lake.

Some beautiful trees in the grounds.



First sight of the bridge and lake ahead.

The lake is quite large and has a couple of waterfalls, one of which is beneath the bridge.

Here.



...................and in the distance is Kedleston Hall.

 



And we approach the Hall itself.

Kedleston Hall is well worth a visit, but the entrance is at the back, where there is a café and a shop. Also toilets to the right here.

After visiting the hall/café/shop/toilets,
return to the path junction and fork left.

To exit the park at the lodge gates here, turning left on reaching the highway.
Follow Mercaston Lane for a short distance, turning left onto Long Lane and climbing the hill..

Long Lane is left here.

A couple of bends before we climb the hill.

Just over the brow, at the end of the wood on the left, and opposite entrance to Priestwood, turn left onto bridleway.



 

Rather muddy after rain.........................

...but OK for horses.

 

Straight on at Upper Vicarwood Farm.

 

Turn right now to re-join the outward route.

And return to the Mundy Play Centre car park.