Walk 2 - Canal, Rail, River and The Midshires Way near Cromford (5.5 miles)
This walk starts from High Peak junction and takes in multiple transport methods associated with the Industrial Revolution. Park in the Pay and Display car park at High Peak Junction near to Lea Bridge. The final part of the walk from Cromford Canal is along a narrow path on the hillside which can be quite muddy. An easier alternative is along the canal.
From the car park cross the river, railway and canal on the footbridges and head up the incline, going under the A6. Just past Halfway Hut look for a wall on the left and take the path that runs alongside the incline but with the wall on the right. The path climbs and take a sharp left onto a broad track. Follow the sign for Long Way Bank following the Midshires Way markers as the path turns right and then left. Follow this track (Intake Lane) as it passes farm buildings and caravans on the left and descends to a road.
Carefully cross the road and follow the Midshires Way uphill, through a wood (look out for charcoal burners) through a gap in the wall and then descending to a farm track past buildings. Turn left onto the track and then look for a footpath on the right past cottages (still following Midshires Way markers). Follow the footpath through gates and downhill to pass by Watergate Farm and alongside a small stream to arrive at a tarmac drive. Turn left onto the drive and follow this (now ignoring the Midshires Way markers). The tarmac turns to stones and eventually reaches a road (with a Caravan Park opposite). Turn left onto the road and follow this for about 10 minutes looking for an overgrown track with a footpath sign on the right. Follow this track as it descends through woodland, to a green lane above houses. Turn right onto the lane and follow for a short distance to the A6. Carefully cross this busy road looking for a tarmac lane and large metal gate with a footpath sign. (Do not take the vehicle bridge immediately opposite Homesford Cottage – you need to walk a further 25 metres)
Follow the access road under the railway and then take the path over a pipe footbridge which crosses the river. If you are lucky you might spot a Kingfisher here. Follow this path until it comes to Cromford Canal. At this point you can turn left and follow the canal back to High Peak Junction but a far more interesting walk is through the nature reserve…..
At the canal take the path which heads over the canal tunnel entrance and into the nature reserve. Follow this narrow path as it rises and falls through the reserve with glimpses of the canal on the left. Eventually the path bears right through a stone gateway and across heathland on an obvious path heading to a carved wooden finger post. At the finger post head through another stone gateway and then take the broad track which descends to the left. As the track descends pass by a pole barrier and turn left onto another broad track. Follow this path past a cottage until you come to the canal and Aqueduct Cottage (currently being restored). Turn right crossing the river below on the aqueduct and following the canal back toward High Peak Junction and the car park.
