Walk 41: Black Rocks to High Peak Junction

A circular hike in and around Cromford Moor – explore the remains of an old lead mine, rocky outcrops, an abandoned quarry, open moorland, dense forest, finishing with an ascent up the incline from High Peak Junction.

Beginning at Steeple Arch Lane, the trail ascends steeply to the dramatic outcrop of Black Rocks, then winds its way up through to Bolehill before descending gradually to High Peak Junction through beautiful woodlands. From the Cromford Canal, the route follows the old railway incline, climbing once again to the lofty heights of Black Rocks.

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Walk Details

  • Distance: 8.1 km (5 mi)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 2 hrs
  • Refreshments: Cafe
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 29001 55684
  • W3W: clattered.melts.fragments
  • Elevation Gain: 273m (896ft)
  • Route: Download .gpx file
About difficulty
  • Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
  • Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
  • Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Steeple Arch Lane, Cromford, DE4 4GT. Free parking is available on Steeple Arch Lane. If road parking is full, there is a paid for parking at Black Rocks car park, just off Steeple Arch Lane.

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Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

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Safety First

Each route offers an overview only. Always carry a map and compass and know how to use them. Plan ahead, use common sense, and expect some risk. GPX files are recommended for support, but don’t rely on them as devices can fail. Actual distances are often longer than stated.

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Download Route File (.gpx)
  1. From Steeple Arch Lane, head east into Black Rocks car park and walk up to the High Peak Trail.
  2. At the trail, turn left (north east) and follow it for about 100 metres. Look out for the remains of Cromford Moor lead mine at the far end of the car park.
  3. Opposite the Black Rocks information board, take the steep track opposite, climbing up to Black Rocks. Take care if you choose to scramble up the rocks. The views from the top are spectacular, overlooking Cromford in the valley below, with Matlock visible in the distance. Black Rocks is a dramatic gritstone tor, formed from ancient sandstones deposited about 300 million years ago
  4. After exploring Black Rocks, continue up the steep path up the hillside until you reach a gate leading onto Cromford Moor. The path winds beneath an old quarry face and can be quite steep in places. Barrell Edge quarry was mined from the 17th century, with remains still evident today
  5. At Cromford Moor, turn right and walk for about 150 metres up to the trig point at the top of Bolehill.
  6. From Bolehill, turn left and gently descend across the moor, eventually entering a plantation. Continue through the trees for about 500 metres until you reach a track.
  7. Turn right along the track and follow it for about 300 metres, watching for a path through the woods on your left.
  8. Take this left-hand path and follow it through the woods for around 200 metres, taking care where fallen trees may obstruct the way.
  9. Pass through a gap in the wall and continue down a walled track, with fields on either side, until you reach the edge of more woodland.
  10. Enter the woodland, keeping the wall to your right.
  11. At the next track junction, turn left and walk for about 50 metres, then once again head into the woodland.
  12. Turn right and continue through the woods for about 750 metres, looking out for a dog waste bin and gate on your right.
  13. At the gate, turn sharply left and descend steeply for about 250 metres through the woods, eventually crossing a small field to reach the A6.
  14. Carefully cross the A6, then go through the stile opposite, descending to High Peak Junction – a perfect spot for refreshments.
  15. To return, leave High Peak Junction past the old red wagons behind the café building and follow the steep incline of the High Peak Trail for about 3.5 kilometres, leading you back to Black Rocks car park and Steeple Arch Lane. Look out for the remains of the old Engine Houses on route back to Black Rocks

Created: 15/10/25. Updated: 05/02/26

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

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