Matlock to Chesterfield
A station-to-station walk
Some cracking views - especially the Crowchin Edge viewpoint. An enjoyable but demanding hilly route, not to be underestimated, with lots of steep ups and downs, rough ground, awkward pinch stiles and some very steep, loose or slippery slopes through quarries and woods. It crosses farmland, quiet lanes, old quarry workings, woods and a dam and with several places where navigation requires care; the going is rough and muddy after rain. Crosses the dam of Stubbing Pond ('Great Pond of Stubbing'). Info board about the Chesterfield Round Walk near Haselhurst Farm.
Lunch: Ashover, roughly midway, is a picturesque village with shops and at least three pubs.
Warnings: Steep slopes, including one descent so steep walkers used the 'fifth point of contact' to avoid slipping; loose ground in old quarries. Awkward and overgrown pinch stiles. Tricky navigation in several spots where path lines are unclear - a 1:25000 map advised. Care on the short stretch of Holestone Gate Road. Muddy after rain.
Credits
Walk details: Slow Ways.