Cromford Canal and High Peak Junction
Historic hub where Cromford Canal meets High Peak Trail, offering industrial heritage, scenic walks, and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Cromford Canal and High Peak Junction
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic hub where Cromford Canal meets High Peak Trail, offering industrial heritage, scenic walks, and stunning views.
"A fascinating heritage site blending industrial history with beautiful canal walks and views."
🚶♀️ Scenic Canal Walk
Walk from Cromford Mills along the canal for a lovely, flat approach to the junction.
🛠️ Forge & Workshop Visits
Book forge demonstrations in advance for a unique blacksmithing experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cromford Canal Towpath
Along the canal
A flat, picturesque walk rich in industrial heritage and wildlife. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
High Peak Junction Buildings
At the junction
Explore original buildings from the age of steam transport, including a fascinating workshop.
Black Rocks
Above the junction
Hike up for stunning panoramic views of the Derwent Valley and surrounding Peak District.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Canal Walk
Walk from Cromford Mills along the canal for a lovely, flat approach to the junction.
🛠️ Forge & Workshop Visits
Book forge demonstrations in advance for a unique blacksmithing experience.
☕ Refreshments Available
A visitor centre cafe offers food, drinks, and clean toilets.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Use navigation apps like Komoot if exploring varied woodland paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Canal Walk
Walk from Cromford Mills along the canal for a lovely, flat approach to the junction.
🛠️ Forge & Workshop Visits
Book forge demonstrations in advance for a unique blacksmithing experience.
☕ Refreshments Available
A visitor centre cafe offers food, drinks, and clean toilets.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Use navigation apps like Komoot if exploring varied woodland paths.
🛶 Narrowboat Trips
Check for scheduled narrowboat tours for a different perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise High Peak Junction for its rich industrial heritage, picturesque canal walks, and fascinating preserved workshop. The site offers a blend of history and nature, with convenient amenities like a cafe and toilets. Some visitors note that specific demonstrations or tours require advance booking.
"Great little cafe. Toilets. On certain days the museum and forge are open. Book in advance experience sessions have a go in the forge. Also railway that a canal company built."
Dadio
"Fascinating! Situated on the Cromford canal, this was once a major hub of transport activity, where the railway met with the canal network. The buildings that remain are original, but of course no longer used for the purpose they were intended. There is a visitor centre where you can get refreshments, gifts & information on what goes on here, there is also a guided tour about the heritage of the junction. The workshop is still in use, but only open to the public at certain times & only then via bookings for demonstration events. The high peak trail starts here & stretches 17.5 miles towards Buxton. We parked at Cromford mills & walked along the the canal path yo the junction,(around 1 mile). A visit here is well worth it. You can also take a trip on a narrowboat here."
Jim Stringer
"High Peak Junction is found in the Derwent Valley , a heritage site with links to the age of steam transportation.
Offering fascinating wildlife by the canals edge . A visitors centre ( which is free to access ). A cafe , with food and drinks options , and a clean accessible toilet facilities.
Benches provided are super for picnics , and visiting groups to enjoy the scenery, and surrounding historical buildings ."
John Charles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Peak Junction is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors enjoy a scenic walk along the Cromford Canal towpath from Cromford Mills, which is about a mile long.
While direct parking at the junction itself might be limited, parking is available at nearby Cromford Mills, from where you can walk along the canal.
Yes, the High Peak Trail starts here and is popular with cyclists. The canal towpath is also suitable for cycling, though be mindful of pedestrians.
Many visitors recommend walking along the flat Cromford Canal towpath from Cromford Mills for a picturesque and historical approach.
Information on direct public transport links can be limited, so driving or cycling are often the most convenient options. Check local bus routes for nearby villages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the High Peak Junction site and visitor centre is generally free. However, specific experiences like forge demonstrations or narrowboat trips may require pre-booking and payment.
The visitor centre and cafe typically have set opening hours, while the workshop and forge demonstrations are often only open to the public at specific times or via pre-booked events. It's best to check their official schedule.
The Cromford Canal towpath is a public right of way and is free to access for walking and cycling.
The heritage site includes original buildings that function as a museum, showcasing tools and equipment. Access to these areas might be limited to specific times or events.
Guided tours about the heritage of the junction are sometimes available. It's advisable to inquire at the visitor centre or check their website for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic buildings, walk along the canal, hike up to Black Rocks for views, and learn about the area's transport heritage. Forge demonstrations and narrowboat trips are also available on select days.
Yes, clean and accessible toilet facilities are available at the visitor centre.
The canalside offers fascinating wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other local fauna.
The High Peak Trail is a 17.5-mile route that starts at High Peak Junction and stretches towards Buxton, offering a challenging walk or cycle for enthusiasts.
Yes, benches are provided, making it a great spot for picnics while enjoying the scenery and historical surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a visitor centre cafe that offers refreshments, food, and drinks.
Absolutely! Benches are available, and it's a popular spot for picnics.
While the cafe at the junction is convenient, you can find more dining options in the nearby town of Cromford or Matlock.
The cafe typically offers a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages.
It's likely possible to get takeaway items, especially for those planning a picnic along the canal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic canal, the unique junction buildings, and the panoramic views from Black Rocks. The towpath offers lovely shots of the water and surrounding nature.
Early mornings or late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light, ideal for landscape and architectural photography.
Drone usage is typically subject to local regulations and landowner permission. It's best to check for any specific restrictions before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and details would be useful. Consider a wide-angle lens for the expansive views from Black Rocks.
Yes, photography is usually permitted during forge demonstrations, but be mindful of safety and any specific instructions from the demonstrators.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Cyclists
🚂 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Heritage of High Peak Junction
One of the most fascinating aspects is the preserved workshop, which looks as though workers simply downed tools one day and never returned. It's filled with an extensive array of old tools and blacksmithing equipment, including furnaces and iron horns, providing a tangible connection to the labour involved in forge work. The site also played a role in the development of steam transportation, making it a key location for understanding the evolution of industrial logistics.
Beyond the industrial history, the area is also a haven for wildlife along the canal's edge. The juxtaposition of industrial remnants with natural beauty makes High Peak Junction a unique and compelling destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Exploring the Trails: Canal and High Peak
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the High Peak Trail begins here. This 17.5-mile route is one of Britain's earliest long-distance routes for cyclists and walkers, traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District. It's known for its steep gradients and stunning vistas, making it a popular choice for serious hikers and bikers. Navigating the varied woodland paths around the junction, especially if venturing off the main routes, can be complex, so using navigation apps like Komoot is recommended to avoid getting lost.
Combining a walk along the canal with a hike up to nearby Black Rocks offers a varied experience, from serene waterside strolls to rewarding climbs with panoramic views of the Derwent Valley.
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