This walk takes in views over Matlock and Bonsall, winding country paths, a quarry, bluebell woodland and farms. It is a little undulated but quite an easy walk with plenty of places to stop along the way and rest if you need to. There were sheep expecting their beautiful babies so hopefully you will be able to spend some time watching the lambs playing if you do this walk this month.
PLEASE KEEP ALL DOGS ON LEADS AS IT’S LAMBING TIME!!
We would recommend walking boots or good sturdy trainers at least.
This walk starts high up over the back end of Matlock after you pass Sainsbury’s. We wind up the hill to find our parking space on Salters Lane which can be a little limited but you should find parking along the lane.
Save this walk for a none windy day as you do end up over a high point near Tinker’s Shaft and we don’t want to be responsible for any dogs or humans which may end up flying high! Also, it is worth noting that along the way there is a stunning viewing point which will lend itself to a picnic or just a blanket to sit and enjoy the views. If you would like to do this walk this month then the bluebells should be out in the woods too.
There is an opportunity to head into Bonsall during the walk to find a little pub for a swift half or, after the walk. You are only a couple of minutes from Matlock which has many bars and lovely cafes.
THE WALK :: THE WALK :: THE WALK ::
We park on Salters Lane and head straight up the farm track in front of you where you will come to a galvanised gate with a stile in front of you. Hop over there and follow the footpath.
Here you will come to a gate into a disused quarry. When we have been here in the past we have had a little walk down here as a lot of people like to climb in the quarry, so it was good to sit and watch the climbers but be careful – especially with young children.
If you don’t wish to have a look at the quarry we turn left over the stile before the quarry gate.
Follow the zig zag path all the way through the trees, you will come out into a clearing where you will see two paths. Don’t take the right path but take the left straight down onto the main path at the bottom. We took the right path as it genuinely looks like a footpath and got stuck!
///coolest.critic.ratty
You should now see a sign saying Heights of Abraham in front of you – hurrah you have gone the right way!
When you come to the two yellow footpath posts we are now going to go left.
Here are the guaranteed amazing views (unless you decided to come in thick fog) and you can see Riber Castle and Crich stand. This is a beautiful picnic spot – please enjoy and just sit. Moments like this make us happy we live so near to such beauty. We would love to see any photo’s you may take from this point.
There is also Tinkers shaft here with lots of history about the mine below on information boards.
///chugging.overnight.arrived
After you have had a little rest, we head back onto the path and you will see some waste bins in front of you – the footpath heads to the right hand side here.
You will head past a couple of signs which say ‘return route’ this is for people visiting Heights of Abraham visitors centre. Follow the path straight ahead and you will see a yellow footpath marker again and we head to the right.
Before you get to the cattle grid we go right. Head through the gate into the woodland. Hopefully the bluebells will all be out when you are here.
Follow the path all the way through the woodland. When we come out of the woods we head right and go through the large farmer gate. No matter how dry it has been this part through the gateway always seems to be a little muddy. Think of the puddle scene in the Vicar of Dibley!!
///resonates.with.refuse
Here we head straight along the track in front of you. You will see a little barn in front and a big tree, we head right over the style into the field.
When you have followed the path you will come to a bar gate with a stile. We head now on the left path down the field.
Head through the trees and to the right and, you will see a new galvanised farm gate where we squeeze through the gap.
This is now your chance to head left into Bonsall for a drinky or just carry on up to the right. You will come now to a point where you can go left or right, we are heading straight up to the right.
///explain.ferried.galleries
We headed onto the top right path where you will come to a closed gate and head right over the stile. Come onto the farmers track and head onto the stone cut through with a white arrow on a yellow post.
Here you come out onto a ploughed field but there is a footpath here so go straight through and slowly head down to the left where you will see your car parked!
Parking: Roadside parking where Salters Lane turns into Nailor Lane (///swanky.wing.consonant)
Pubs: In Matlock there’s plenty to choose from. The Tipsy Toad is a particular favourite of mine.
Distance: Long 2.5 miles and approximately 1hrs 30min, but you will need to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views, so take your time!
Terrain: Fairly hilly, but nothing that’s too long or steep.
