[1] From Matlock Station (or its car park) go left along Derwent Way, cross by the pedestrian crossing and then cross the bridge over the River Derwent. After about 50yds turn right into Hall Leys Park then bear left around the outside of the park passing around the flower beds. There are good views of Riber Castle to the front, on the hill top.
(A) Hall Leys Park was given to the local population in 1898 and was officially opened in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. It is a very popular area for families due to all its wide range of amenities. Riber Castle has had a chequered history. It was most recently a zoo but is now being converted into living accomodation.
Continue round the path passing the cafe, putting green and bandstand to the boating lake. Bear right by the playground and follow the miniature railway rightwards towards to its end.
(B) The church of St Giles can be seen in the near distance behind the playground. Parts of the church date from the 12th century. It is located in Old Matlock, Matlock's original settlement area.
[2] In a short distance turn left over the steel river bridge to exit the park and enter the Sensory Gardens. Continue through the gardens onto OldeEnglishe Road.
The Sensory Garden is a small shady area planted with aromatic and tactile plants.
Turn left at the end onto the main road, the A6. Continue under the railway bridge then pass the long, large car park. Continue for about 3/4 mile past the cliffs of High Tor until you reach the cables for the Heights of Abraham Cable Car.
This footpath is very busy at holiday times - beware of families, bikes, pushchairs etc and passing traffic.
(C) The Heights of Abraham is a 60 acre country park set in woodland with a number of caverns. It was opened in 1780 and was reached by numerous steep paths. Britain's first Alpine style cable car was opened in 1984 to transport visitors to the top. Adult return tickets cost £13 and a Senior return costs £9.50.
[3] Shortly after the cables turn left up the steps onto the river bridge. There are 6 steps here. Wheelchair users should continue along the road to the park gate by the Midland Hotel. Turn right to follow the riverside path (continue under the railway bridge for the cable car station). This path leads to Matlock Bath railway station.
Matlock Bath station has two station buildings, built in the 'chalet' style dating back to when Derbyshire was marketed as the 'Switzerland of England' . One now houses the Whistlestop Countryside Centre.
From Matlock Bath station car park turn right, cross the river bridge and turn left onto the A6. After a few yards turn left through the park gate just past the Midland Hotel. War Memorial is on the right. Follow this short path to rejoin the main road again. Turn left at the next river bridge to cross the river (the Jubilee Bridge of 1887). Turn right onto the river path, this is Lovers Walk. Pass through the playground and picnic area and continue through Matlock Woods
(D) Lovers Walk was opened in 1742 and is a circular walk along the river bank and then via footpaths up to the top of the 200ft cliff then returning to the river bank. It is a local nature reserve and the woods, with its many wildflowers, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest
[4] At the next bridge turn right and cross the river into Derwent Gardens. Otherwise the path continues for 200 yards to a dead end where there are some small caves and a picnic area. Turn left into Derwent Gardens, looping round the the fountain and ponds. Paths up the bank to the left offer seats and shade. Continue past the pond containing Koi Carp towards the pink looking building (the Grand Pavilion). You can either go up the ramp or through the gates by the river. Pass the thermal spring on the right., and bear left to the main road.
Derwent Gardens was developed in the late 19th century for day trippers to the resort. Many of the historic fountains and pools fed by thermal springs have been restored, as has the little grotto on the left
(E) The Grand Pavilion houses the Peak District Mining Museum and the Tourist Office, and is being developed as an arts and exhibition venue. The mining museum is an exhibition giving an experience of the working life and times of Derbyshire's lead miners over the past 2000 years, and is associated with the adjacent Temple Mine. Entrance fee is £3.50/£3.00 for the mine or museum or £6.00/£5.00 for mine and museum
[5] Turn left for a 10 minute walk along the busy A6 (with care) to Masson Mills Heritage Centre and Shopping Village.
Alternatively, you can turn right to finish the route in busy Matlock Bath.
(F) Masson Mills was built in 1783 by Sir Richard Arkwright and is the largest and best preserved of his cotton mills, There is a working textile museum with a collection of machinery from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The entry fee is £3.00 or £2.50 for concessions. There are machinery demonstrations at 11 am and 2pm. The mill is also home to a shopping village with four floors of 'shopping heaven', toilets and a restaurant.
To return to Matlock Bath or Matlock turn right to walk along the A6 or catch a bus from the bus stop directly opposite the Mill.