Amber Valley Ramblers Derbyshire

Crich, Cliff Inn
Friday 16 May 2025
5 miles Leader John M.
Weather 18°C. sunny and bright.
No. on walk 14 + 3 Dogs
Walk taken from 'Diary Walks'
Another super day out with the group, a slight breeze helped to keep us cool as we made our way, on this circular walk. Just over nine hundred feet of ascent, was justified by some really great views, over surrounding woods and valleys. Near to the end of the walk we were offered a choice of, walking half a mile up the road, from Wakebridge back to the cars, which would have made the walk, four miles as advertised. But we all agreed to follow John on a circuitous route up to Crich Stand, the setting and the views from up there was well worth the extra mile.

On the map, the trace looks more like a figure eight, lying on its’s side, when meeting the outward line at Wakebridge, we then did nearly a circuit around Crich Stand and quarry. We set off by taking the former Turnpike Road, pausing to view the cast iron mile post, (pictured) below Cliffside, down to Wakebridge, turning left off the road, at the wooden footpath sign. The sign marked with an Amber Valley Routeway disc, walk no 22. We followed this path all the way down, via Oxley Wood to the Cromford Canal. After crossing, Robin Hood Road and then over a footbridge, over the canal, we headed north, along the towpath for the next half mile. At Gregory Tunnel, we climbed and crossed over the canal into the former Deer Park, ascending to somewhere opposite, Lea Hurst, once the home of Florence Nightingale. In the shade of lovely giant Beech trees, we stopped for our morning break. Soon, on the move again into Bracken Lane in Holloway, we turned right though a small close and took a long set of stone steps to Leashaw Road, exiting onto it a point where the, almost permanent, road closure signs are. A short rest, before an even longer ascent, climbing over ninety wooden steps, to Upper Holloway. Almost within touching distance of The Hollow, but not taking it, we walked south east, along the ridge top, with fantastic views down over the A6 / Derwent corridor. We now made our way to pass by Wakebridge Farm and then as described, to climb a good path to encompass Cliff Quarry and Crich Tramway museum site, pausing briefly to take in the stunning views from the base of Stand itself. A short walk now, along by the entrance to the museum, around the corner to the cars, arriving there about twelve forty. Thanks to John for leading the walk and his insightful commentary.

 

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