Back to route

Wirmat Survey

3XNovember 2023 by Hugh Hudson

Route description

This route is not 'better' than Wirmat One but it is an alternative between Cromford and Matlock which is accessible to all, avoiding narrow muddy paths, stiles and the big height gain and loss. It is also a Slow Way that is actually used by locals to walk between Cromford, Matlock Bath and Matlock to attend music in Cromford Meadows, events at the Pavilion in Matlock Bath and all the cafes, pubs and restaurants in Matlock Bath and Matlock. The drawback is that it mainly follows the main road (A6) which is busy although has good pavements and crossings the whole way. But except for the traffic noise in parts, it is very scenic - following the river Derwent through the gorge where kayaks and canoes play in the river and climbers scale the cliffs. And it is accessible - the whole route has only one short set of steps at the North end of the path along the quarry - the quarry path can be avoided from the Wirksworth end by continuing along the track to the B5036 and taking the continuous, although narrow, path along the road as far as the entrance to the quarry itself (about 350m) where the off road footpaths can be re-joined.

About the surveyor

Coming soon.

Survey Contents

Grading

Path surface grading

3 Grade 3: Route includes rough surfaces that may include small boulders, potholes, shallow ruts, loose gravel, short muddy sections.

Accessibility grading

X Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.

Photos

Photos from surveys are coming soon.

Facilities

  • Maybe present Public toilet
  • Maybe present Wheelchair accessible toilet
  • Present at time of survey Supermarket
  • Present at time of survey Restaurant
  • Maybe present Vegan restaurant
  • Present at time of survey Accommodation
  • Maybe present Accommodation < £50
  • Not present at time of survey Campsite
  • Not present at time of survey Bothy
  • Not present at time of survey Free wifi
  • Not present at time of survey Public phone
  • Present at time of survey Mobile Phone Coverage
  • Not present at time of survey Train station
  • Present at time of survey Bench
  • Maybe present Picnic table
  • Present at time of survey Bus stop
  • Not present at time of survey Ferry

Back to top

Challenges

  • Not present at time of survey Scrambling
  • Not present at time of survey Wading
  • Not present at time of survey Swimming
  • Not present at time of survey Climbing
  • Not present at time of survey Stepping stones
  • Maybe present Very slippery
  • Maybe present Very muddy
  • Maybe present Very icy
  • Not present at time of survey Likely to flood
  • Maybe present Long grass sections
  • Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path
  • Not present at time of survey Diverted path

Back to top

Obstacles

  • Present at time of survey Stiles
  • Present at time of survey Step and kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable
  • Present at time of survey Flights of steps
  • Present at time of survey Gates
  • Present at time of survey Kissing gates
  • Not present at time of survey Locked gates
  • Not present at time of survey Disables access gates
  • Present at time of survey Cycle barriers
  • Not present at time of survey Ladders
  • Not present at time of survey Cattle grids
  • Not present at time of survey Fords
  • Not present at time of survey Narrow bridges
  • Not present at time of survey Ferry required
  • Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings
  • Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads
  • Present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads
  • Not present at time of survey Railway crossings
  • Not present at time of survey River crossings
  • Maybe present Cattle possible
  • Not present at time of survey Horses possible
  • Not present at time of survey Tidal area
  • Not present at time of survey Potential falls
  • Present at time of survey Exposed to elements
  • Not present at time of survey Remote area
  • Present at time of survey Mountainous area
  • Not present at time of survey Military training area
  • Present at time of survey No visible path
  • Maybe present Seasonal nesting birds
  • Not present at time of survey Other hazards

Back to top

Accessibility

  • Not present at time of survey Free of stiles
  • Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Free of flights of steps
  • Present at time of survey Free of other obstacles

Back to top

Measurements

The narrowest part of the path is 40.00cm

The steepest uphill gradient East: no data

The steepest uphill gradient West: no data

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places

Back to top

Successfully completed

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

Back to top

Expert recommendations

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

Back to top

Terrain

2.00% of the route is on roads

60.00% of the route is paved

40.00% of the route is lit at night

1.00% of the route is muddy

1.00% of the route is over rough ground

There is no data on long grass

Back to top

Report a problem with this data

Back to route