At the south end of the bridge there is no need to go as far west as the GPX shows to reach the riverside path, as there is a shortcut available down a stone staircase....

Hugh Hudson

At Somersall Road we turn left, then take the signposted path right through the fields to Holymoorside. A short section of quiet road walking takes us to Hungerhill Road, another old lane now more of a footpath, that descends to the Hipper and climbs quite steeply to join a farm road higher up, which we follow out to Darley Road. We turn left onto Cullumbell Lane, then right a short distance onto Alice Head Lane, then left again onto Peasunhurst Lane. Another field path takes us out to Hodge Lane, where we turn right and follow the lane to its end on Darley Road. We then follow field edges under trees and cross one more field to reach Flash Lane, where we turn left....

Hugh Hudson

Short sections of road that need care but most are quiet lanes. Cattle in one field and a path across one cropped field. A steep, stepped path cuts a corner off the road but then a short road walk with no pavement or verge, consideration from drivers and care from us is required. The next field has cattle then a cropped field has no path reinstatement as required by HA sec. Joining harewood Lane we could follow this quite road as an easy approach to Holymoorside but no we head up along a bridleway, cyclists and riders beware this is not a good path for you....

Ken

I walked this route from Darley Dale It is easy to follow, and can be simplified still further because the rail-side path can be accessed directly from Old Road bridge (rather than the dog-leg through the village), and near Matlock a concessionary path carries straight ahead alongside the railway, crossing the river on the railway bridges. This saves the detour east to join Bakewell Road. A fast and safe passage from Darley Dale to Matlock....

StephenWalker

The route now rises more steeply on a quiet road to begin with and then a lane past wellspring farm. After dropping through Nab Plantation on a muddy path we join a wider trail (Hungerhill Lane) over the ridge to reach Dean Farm. Shortly, we join a quiet road to reach Peasunhurst Lane, this becomes a muddy field path to reach Hodge Lane....

StephenWalker

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....

Joe Marshall

Easy to navigate, great views of the surroundings on the stretch between Bakewell and Rowsley especially, comfortable surfaces for walking, overall a great route!...

mtormey

I walked this route from Darley Dale to Matlock....

mtormey

Walked from Bakewell to Rowsley mid March and then April Rowsley to Darley Dale (forgot my camera for that stretch). Bakewell, Rowsley and Darley Dale are all well connected by buses and have facilities - in Rowsley Peak Village....

SeaGreen

Starting at the meeting point at Darley Dale, we cross Station Road and walk down a short way before turning right into the park. The only place where one can go wrong is the junction of Coombs Road and Park Road - we take the right turn onto Coombs Road, which has a rough gravel surface until beyond Coombs Farm....

Hugh Hudson

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....

Hugh Hudson

The track eventually follows a stream, occasionally too close, yes it can be muddy, then across open fields to the road. A short section of approach road has no pavement so care is needed. The path drops to cross the Newhaven road, then climbs again. Pikehall has a very short section of busy road with a narrow and eroding verge. Another section of track leads to a short walk along the High Peak Trail. The final approach to Biggin is along a roadside pavement....

Ken

The southern section is easy flat walking along a cycle track fenced in at times and with less interest unless trains are operating. The track also starts to climb offering good views into a valley, not the one used by the road so it's also peaceful. After the meeting of other tracks another short climb then it's down into Rowsley along a smooth stoned track shared with farm traffic. It's easy walking but no seats and not to my taste especially as there were no trains running alongside to offer interest....

Ken

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....

Ken

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....

dave smith

Leaving Bakewell on the flat on a lane to the rear of the show ground it continues until the first appearance of the old Midland Railway route to Manchester at the quite impressive bridge the road becomes a good solid track rising gradually with view back towards Bakewell past Combs Farm the track worsens slightly to its highest point to the rear of Hadden Hall, at this point there are several paths the one to follow is the wider one to your left proceeding forward towards Rowsley....

dave smith

Bakewell to Combes road is very accessible, from the end of combes road to Rowsley is a rough finished green lane, easy enough by foot, also fine by mountain bike or hybrid bike (to rough for a road bike!), possible by off road buggy but only for the adventurous who don't mind a bumpy ride!! Rowsley to Darley Dale is very accessible along the trail, perfect for walking, biking, buggies and wheel chairs. I have given 4 stars not 5 due to the rough green lane between Combes Road and Rowsley meaning in is not really accessible by wheel chair....

Sarah Charker

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....

SeaGreen

South and parallel to the cycle track paths meander along with the river and walkers can leave and return to the main track....

SeaGreen