Matlock circular walk & evening social
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This is a great day walk which is a circular route from Matlock.
It starts by ascending the great limestone cliff of High Tor which towers over the River Derwent. The view from the summit area of the tor is very impressive, all the more so because the cliff edge is totally unfenced and even those with a head for heights are likely to find the drop unnerving.
There is an excellent view of Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham on the opposite hill and for those with strong nerves, a narrow path called Giddy Ledge, winds across part of the cliff.
We then pass by the the ruins of Riber Castle and Tansley Moor to a steep and rocky path which requires a short section of scrambling up to Cocking Tor where we will stop for our lunch. Cocking Tor is a gritstone crag favoured by climbers. At the top inspect the inscriptions in the rock one of which dates back to 1896.
The crag is often used as a launch point for paragliders and it has great views of the surrounding countryside and Ogston Reservoir. Again a good head for heights will be required.
After lunch we will head back via the picturesque Lumsdale Valley, where ruined industrial mills and scenic waterfalls can be found cascading through the valley. We then return back to Matlock.
Your then welcome to join me for the Matlock Bath Illuminations afterwards in Derwent Gardens.
Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent every Saturday and Sunday from 8 September to 28 October.
During the 8-week season Matlock Bath Venetian Boat Builders' Association decorate themed models with an array of coloured lights. The models are mounted on rowing boats and paraded on the River Derwent.
We’ll aim to finish the walk around 4:30pm. Please note if you wish to attend the Illuminations social you’ll need to pay in advance or on the evening. The illuminations event finishes around 9:30 pm.
Further details can be found at the following link. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/matlockbathilluminations
The evening social is optional so your not obliged to attend, so please register on this event if you wish to attend either the walk, social or both. Please let me know which you’ll be attending.
Thanks
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please ensure you have a packed lunch/snacks for the walk. Plenty of water or other drink with you.
Plenty of shops in Matlock Bath if you need anything before the walk starts.