High Peak Junction Visitor Centre (Cromford Canal, High Peak Trail and Leawood Pumphouse), Cromford Hill, Matlock, Derbyshire

Details

Accessibility

Audio Tours -£2.50

Pay and display parking 

Toilets 

Easy access for all 

Baby changing facilities 

Dogs accepted 

https://visitpeakdistrict.com/business-directory/high-peak-junction-visitor-centre-cromford-canal 

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/countryside-sites/country-parks-and-visitor-centres/high-peak-junction-visitor-centre.aspx 

Brief description

"High Peak Junction Visitor Centre on the Cromford Canal, lies a mile south of Cromford village, in the beautiful Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Relax, take a stroll and watch the world go by in this tranquil haven of heritage and wildlife. Discover some of the oldest surviving railway workshops in the world, from the former Cromford and High Peak Railway and step back in time with the fascinating audio tour.Cromford Wharf is just a mile stroll along the towpath, with easy access for families and wheelchairs.

The Cromford Canal can be explored between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over five miles. The High Peak Trail starts here at High Peak Junction and continues for 17.5 miles to Dowlow near Buxton. The Visitor Centre at High Peak Junction offers a warm welcome and light refreshments, with leaflets, maps and information to help you explore.

Picnic areas take in the waterside views, with parking signposted from the A6 at Cromford. A number of waymarked walks in the area start from here. A canal aqueduct over the River Derwent and the magnificent Leawood Pump House are just a few minutes walk away. Leawood Pump is a steam powered engine which operates on some summer weekends and bank holidays or take a trip on the historic narrowboat Birdswood from Cromford Wharf. The canal is a haven for wildlife (and a Site of Special Scientific Interest). Little grebes and water voles can be seen throughout the year, with dragonflies and damselflies in the summer months."

https://visitpeakdistrict.com/business-directory/high-peak-junction-visitor-centre-cromford-canal 

Address

Matlock, DE4 5HN, Derbyshire

Email

countrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk

Phone

01629 533298

Website

https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/visitor-information/high-peak-junction-visitor-centre-cromford-canal-p839781

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/countryside/countryside-sites/country-parks-and-visitor-centres/high-peak-junction-visitor-centre.aspx 

Directions

High Peak Junction and Cromford Wharf car parks are signed from the A6 at Cromford. There are regular bus services. Railway stations at Cromford, Whatstandwell and Ambergate are only a few minutes walk away from the canal.

High Peak Junction Visitor Centre is signposted from the A6 at Cromford.

Opening Times

2025- Visitor centre summer opening times - April to October from 10am to 5pm.

2025- Visitor centre water opening times - Weekends only, November to Easter from 10.30am to 4pm.

2025- Railway workshop forge days - 

Have-a-go at being a blacksmith on the historic forge and make a poker or toasting fork to take home and keep.

From 11am to 4pm on the following dates:

• Wednesday 28 May 2025
• Saturday 14 June 2025
• Saturday 21 June 2025
• Wednesday 16 July 2025
• Wednesday 30 July 2025
• Wednesday 6 August 2025
• Wednesday 13 August 2025
• Wednesday 20 August 2025
• Wednesday 27 August 2025
• Saturday 13 September 2025
• Wednesday 24 September 2025
• Wednesday 15 October 2025
• Wednesday 29 October 2025
• Sunday 16 November 2025
• Saturday 13 December 2025
• Saturday 27 December 2025
• Sunday 28 December 2025
• Saturday 31 January 2026
• Saturday 21 February 2026

Participants must be over 11-years-old.

Cost: £20 per poker or toasting fork. Booking is essential, telephone: 01629 533298.

2025- Black smith experience days- 

From 10am to 1pm, and from 1pm to 4.30pm on the following dates:

• Wednesday 11 June 2025
• Saturday 19 July 2025
• Saturday 16 August 2025
• Saturday 30 August 2025
• Saturday 20 September 2025

Participants must be over 16-years-old.

Cost: £60 per person, paid in advance. Booking is essential, telephone: 01629 533298.

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

Accessible by public transport 

Amenities

Picnic Site

Cycle Path 

Wildlife area 

Nature trial 

Light refreshments 

Foot path 

Museum 

On-site parking 

Parking