Darmat two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I've done this multiple times on bike, including with a trailer, and with an off road pushchair. It's fine for both, although personally I tend to stay on Bakewell road rather than going down onto the riverside path for the very last section as that bit is bumpy and marked no cycling.

With dogs it is okay, but be aware there are tons of bikes on a nice day and you'll need to keep the dog on a lead.

Walked from Matlock to Darley Dale. Direct and easy but rather dull - I think it might be worth creating a slightly longer alternative that uses more of the riverside path, but I won't post that until the flood defence works (see below) are completed.

I hit my first minor problem immediately, but that was no surprise. The Matlock end of the river path seems to be inaccessible at the moment because of the flood wall repairs that have closed Derwent Way and the bus station (see photo 1), so I crossed the old bridge to the east side of the river and walked along Bakewell Road to leave Matlock, rejoining this route at the Derwent Way roundabout. Not worth a flag as these works are short term. The riverside path from Darley Bridge to Matlock station is very familiar to me, so the only part of the route I have not walked is the short section along Derwent Way across the Derwent.

From the roundabout the route continues along the pavement of Bakewell Road to a left turn signposted as an NCN route, which leads down to the cycle track that follows the heritage railway on its west side. This track takes us all the way to Darley Dale's Main Road, detouring further west along the railway to avoid steps. A simple walk up the pavement of Station Road takes us up to the meeting point.

The route is well plotted with a good surface on a cycle track alongside the heritage railway or roadside pavements. No stiles, hills, or cattle but dogs and bikes will be encountered. There is a field footpath very close with frequent links so an option to mix but the fields can and do flood.

I walked this route north to south on a fine mid-week day. The exit from Darley Dale requires a small detour by road but this avoids a more direct narrow fenced footpath with steps. The cycle route is easy walking if a lttle boring so if I used this route again I may well use sections of the footpaths in the open fields. Approaching Matlock it is essential to cross the railway and join the road (the footpath shown on older maps has now been diverted onto the cycle track). To rejoin the riverside surfaced path is an option but I would suggest, stay on the road to pass the main bus station and the fringe of Matlock's shops, I would prefer to see the meeting point on the north east side of the river bridge rather than the dismal rail station.

Very practical direct and more pleasant way of getting between Darley and Matlock. Route takes you down Station rd over level crossing and then at junction go left onto old road to join the cycle path on right, I walked as far as the railway crossing then left on a narrow footpath at the side of the railway lots of diesel shunters in the station yard I wanted to look at, then up the steps cross the bridge and take the steps down to the cycle track rejoining the actual route. The way is now flat and straight almost all the way to Matlock, although there are several opportunities to leave and rejoin on footpaths nearer the river but these paths do flood so be warned.
As you approach Matlock look out for the premier in on the A6 you need to cross the railway near here staying on the cycle path not crossing the river on the edge of the railway bridge. After crossing the railway you can join the A6 to walk into Matlock or rejoin the river path leading you towards the station.

A cycle/walk track with a steam railway Peak Rail on one side and the river Derwent on the other along a beautiful valley. Main route avoids all steps, gates and stiles. South and parallel to the cycle track paths meander along with the river and walkers can leave and return to the main track. If you don't mind a narrow bridge and some steps there is no need to leave the track when the cycle way does - just follow the river path. And at the Darley end a foot path from near the level crossing takes you to some steps up to a bridge and a quick right across the bridge and more steep steps down to meet the track.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.