Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham

Starting from the A6 just North of Matlock Bath (Derbyshire’s mini-Blackpool) and making straight for the Heights of Abraham where we can scout out the cable car and show caves (I don’t plan to split at this point). Then onwards to Bonsall, Upperwood and towards Comford before looping back up towards the Heights again.

If anyone wants to do the cable car or a cave, this is the most logical point to split as it’s a simple walk back down to the car park. Everyone else can congregate in a suitable eatery before being joined by the rest or making their way back home. Matlock Bath is a good bet for food and is sight in itself, usually rammed with bikers and drivers which add colour to the place but can make parking…interesting.

Going to allow about 5 hours for the walk (the actual walk should be under 3 hours) for stops, general faffing around and a couple of more hours for getting there/back. So a 0830 start from home, should see you back there around 1500-1600.

This is an medium walk and whilst steep, the paths should be solid so approach shoes should do (assuming it’s not been chucking it down).
Bad weather will halt the walk, a wee bit of rain/wind won’t

Distance: 7.6km (5.5 miles)
Ascent/Gradient: Medium/Hard – 370m (1,213ft)
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 3 hours
Deadtree: AA “50 Walks in the Peak District”, walk 40 “Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham”, page 141. ISBN: 978-0-7524-4639-4
Overview and GPX: https://irrwitz.com/owncloud/index.php/s/aQvKctmFsYhlu8q
Meet-up: Car Park on A6 (https://osm.org/go/eu3pIGbFn?layers=H&m=) @ 0930 (It is advisable to make contact via the mailing list)
GPS/Driving Advice: M1 to A38 then A615 and on to the A6 from the North.

Disclaimer:
Hiking can be challenging and potentially dangerous and everybody who joins does so at their own risk. Each person is responsible for their own safety, and that of any minors or animals they bring, at all times. In particular you are responsible for ensuring that you are fit enough to undertake the Event according to its description and that you have adequate equipment with you, e.g. fluids, food, waterproof clothing, navigational equipment and personal first aid on a walk. If you feel unsafe at any time, please make people aware immediately.

Although we are competent walkers, we have no special training. We may be familiar with the walk area we could be in a new area we’ve not walked in before. Do not expect others to carry spare food, water, warm clothing, first aid or other equipment.