High Peak Junction - Matlock

High Peak Junction: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Derbyshire

Nestled in the picturesque Peak District of England lies High Peak Junction, a destination that seamlessly blends History, Nature, and Adventure. Situated at Cromford Hill, Matlock DE4 5HN, United Kingdom, this tourist attraction offers a unique experience that captivates visitors from all walks of life.

Main Services

• Tourist Attraction: High Peak Junction is a hub for those seeking to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Peak District. It serves as a perfect starting point for various trails and attractions in the area.
• Visitor Center: The visitor center provides valuable information about the local area, helping visitors make the most of their time in the Peak District. It also houses a small exhibition about the history of the area and its railway heritage.
• On-Site Services: High Peak Junction offers a range of on-site services, including a café, a gift shop, and public toilets, ensuring visitors have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable day out.

Location and Access

High Peak Junction is located in the heart of the Peak District, near the village of Cromford. It can be reached via the A6 road, which runs through Matlock, or by taking the B5036 from the A6 towards Cromford. The nearest train station is Cromford Station, which is approximately a 10-minute walk away.

For those traveling by car, there is a large, wheelchair-accessible car park on-site, with additional parking available on the surrounding streets. The visitor center is also wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp leading to the entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet available.

Featured Characteristics

• Railway Heritage: High Peak Junction is home to the former High Peak Railway, which was once one of the longest and highest railways in the world. Visitors can explore the remains of this historic railway, including the impressive tunnel that once carried trains beneath the River Derwent.
• Walking Trails: The area surrounding High Peak Junction is crisscrossed with walking trails that cater to all levels of ability. The High Peak Trail, for example, offers a challenging 17-mile walk from High Peak Junction to Dow low, while the shorter Cromford Canal Trail is perfect for families and those seeking a more leisurely pace.
• Wildlife and Scenery: The Peak District is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and High Peak Junction is no exception. Visitors can expect to see a variety of birds, including buzzards and kestrels, as well as mammals such as rabbits and foxes. The scenery is equally impressive, with rolling hills, wooded valleys, and dramatic limestone uplands providing a backdrop to the area's rich history.

Practical Information

The visitor center at High Peak Junction is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission is free, although donations are welcome to support the upkeep of the site.

There are several dining options available on-site, including the café, which serves a range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. The gift shop stocks a selection of souvenirs, local produce, and books about the Peak District.

High Peak Junction accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments. There is also a wheelchair-accessible toilet on-site, ensuring that the visitor center is accessible to all.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

With an average rating of 4.6/5 from over 1600 reviews on Google My Business, High Peak Junction is clearly a beloved destination among visitors. Many reviewers praise the site's stunning scenery, with one visitor describing it as "a hidden gem with beautiful views."

The visitor center and its staff also receive high praise, with reviewers commending their "friendly and helpful" approach and the "excellent" information provided about the local area. The on-site café is another hit with visitors, with several reviewers mentioning the "delicious" food and "reasonable" prices.

High Peak Junction's accessibility is another selling point, with several reviewers mentioning the wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet as a major plus. One visitor with mobility issues described the site as "accessible and enjoyable for all," highlighting the efforts made to ensure that everyone can enjoy the attraction.

In conclusion, High Peak Junction is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and adventure. With its rich railway heritage, stunning scenery, and excellent on-site facilities, it's no wonder that this hidden gem in the heart of Derbyshire has earned such glowing reviews.

❓ Frequently asked questions about High Peak Junction

👍 Reviews of High Peak Junction

Jim S.

5/5

Fascinating! Situated on the Cromford canal, this was once a major hub of transport activity, where the railway met with the canal network. The buildings that remain are original, but of course no longer used for the purpose they were intended. There is a visitor centre where you can get refreshments, gifts & information on what goes on here, there is also a guided tour about the heritage of the junction. The workshop is still in use, but only open to the public at certain times & only then via bookings for demonstration events. The high peak trail starts here & stretches 17.5 miles towards Buxton. We parked at Cromford mills & walked along the the canal path yo the junction,(around 1 mile). A visit here is well worth it. You can also take a trip on a narrowboat here.

Dadio

4/5

Great little cafe. Toilets. On certain days the museum and forge are open. Book in advance experience sessions have a go in the forge. Also railway that a canal company built.

Brian S.

4/5

Lovely walk along canal path or up behind the renovated cottage into wooded area. Toilets & coffee shop near to car park

Jody B.

5/5

The start point for the High Peak Trail, which goes up a steep hill at the start, then a steady slope right up to Parsley Hay, near Buxton. There is a nice coffee shop and free toilets at this location. The parking in along the canal slightly near the comford mills.

Jack W.

5/5

We found this place completely by accident while looking for a coffee shop and it looked so cool we had to go in and have a look! If you like old tools or trains this place is definitely worth a visit. The old workshop looks as if everyone downed tools one day and never went back

John C.

5/5

High Peak Junction is found in the Derwent Valley , a heritage site with links to the age of steam transportation. Offering fascinating wildlife by the canals edge . A visitors centre ( which is free to access ). A cafe , with food and drinks options , and a clean accessible toilet facilities. Benches provided are super for picnics , and visiting groups to enjoy the scenery, and surrounding historical buildings .

Tayyaba I.

5/5

You must visit if you’re interested in train & forge works, theirs an extensive array of tools and blacksmith equipment such as the furnace that was used for forge work and blacksmithing and the iron horn, I might actually end up coming back for one of the blacksmiths forge days or for the introduction as I’d like to understand better the labour that goes into forge work.

Neil M.

5/5

Fascinating place for those interested in the Cromford and High Peak railway. Having visited Whaley Bridge end of the railway, which is local to me, was great to see the other end and the canal that it connected. The engineering workshop is excellent, and there is a lot of information about operations.