Cromford - Canal & Scarthin Hill

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Cromford Canal and Scarthin Hill, with Explorers helping the Intrepid Explorers Society search the Cromford area for Ernie Fortune's lost formula before their rivals get there first.

The quest covers approximately 1.6 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll set off from the area at the end of Cromford Canal, near Wheatcroft's Café, then explore around Cromford Canal Wharf, Cromford Mill, North Street and the surrounding Cromford streets before returning to the car park area across the road.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Expect uneven walking, a narrow pavement, steps, a section with no pavements for about 100 metres, and some hill climbing.

Start before 4.30pm as the Mill closes at 5pm. Cross roads when it is safe to do so, especially as the A6 is a main road and the road back to the car park can be busy with fast moving traffic. There is also a river section, a bridge and towering cliffs on the route, so keep Mini Explorers close while the formula hunt is underway.

Getting There

By car: Start your expedition at the area at the end of Cromford Canal, near Wheatcroft's Café (DE4 3RQ), using ///blown.trucks.mime. Park in the Cromford Wharf Car Park. If full, try the Cromford Mills Car Park across the way (DE4 3RP).

By public transport: Make your way to the area at the end of Cromford Canal, near Wheatcroft's Café, to begin the quest. The circular route returns to the car park area across the road once Ernie Fortune's lost formula has been tracked down.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available near Wheatcroft's Café at the start, and the route later heads to the far end of the car park by the toilets.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the adventure 🐾

The route includes roads, steps, uneven walking, hill climbing, a river section, a bridge and areas near towering cliffs, so keep canine companions close throughout. Take particular care near the A6, the section with no pavements for about 100 metres, and the road back to the car park, which can be busy with fast moving traffic.

Food & Drink Stops

Formula-hunting is hungry work, so supplies are easy to plan. Wheatcroft's Café is at the start, there are picnic tables alongside the canal near the café, and the route also has a couple of good pubs which serve food, a fish and chip shop, and a tiny cafe. The café may be open for ice-cream too.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Cromford Mill

Cromford Mill is part of the route, and the museum does not need to be visited to complete the Trail, but it is well worth a visit. In 1771 Sir Richard Arkwright constructed the world's first water-powered cotton spinning wheel here, helping to power the Industrial Revolution - a suitably ingenious stop for Explorers chasing a lost formula.

Cromford Canal Wharf

The adventure begins near Cromford Canal Wharf, making it a natural place to linger before or after the hunt. You can join The Friends of Cromford Canal there for a trip from March to October, or extend the day with a canal side walk.

North Street

North Street was the first planned street in Derbyshire. It was built and designed by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1776, with a school for the resident children because he wanted his mill workers to read and write. In the attic was a room for frame-work knitting, adding another layer of Cromford history to investigate.

Willersley Castle

Willersley Castle is a little bit further up the road from the bridge. In 1940 the Salvation Army Maternity Hospital from Clapton East London was evacuated to the castle, and in 2010 a reunion was held of some of the 4000 people born there during the war years. It is now an outdoor adventure centre.