A gentle paddle trail for all abilities, starting near to the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s even a chance to spot a dinosaur along the way. (Waterways licence required. Find out more).
Distance: 3.2km (1.9 miles)
Time: 1.5 hours
Sat Nav: DE4 3RQ
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Find the full route for the Cromford Canal on PaddlePoints >>
We parked at Cromford Wharf which has plenty spaces and is within touching distance of the canal.
The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), meaning it’s an important area for wildlife, therefore boat numbers are controlled – find out more.
There are ample toilet facilities at Cromford Wharf, where you could get changed. You will need a RADAR key to access the Changing Places toilet.
There’s an ice cream van and the Wheatcroft’s Wharf cafe at the site.
There are picnic tables and plenty of swans and ducks to feed.
It’s an area rich in history. Before starting a paddle there’s the option of crossing Mill Lane and visiting Cromford Mills, which date back to the 1800s.
Arkwright’s Mill is credited with being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
The Cromford Canal used to run for 14.5 miles from Cromford to Langley Mill.
After launching, we headed straight to High Peak Junction. It was a gentle paddle, nothing too strenuous.
Endangered water voles have been spotted along the banks so keep your eyes peeled.
There are organised narrow boat trips so remember the Paddlers’ Code and pass on the right. The passengers found it funny when we overtook them.
As we continued we spotted a large fiberglass dinosaur among the dense vegetation.
Stella the Stegasaurus has become a bit of a tourist attraction – a relic from Cromford Garden Centre which shut in 2006.
There are plans for the overgrown site to become a new kayaking hub.
In tribute to Stella, model dinosaurs have been placed on tree stumps along the way. We counted three.
As we continued we saw a sign that says ‘Kelly’s Corner’. We were told this is a tribute to a horse that pulled boats from the tow path.
Once we got to High Peak Junction there was an option of portaging and continuing on to Lea Wood Pump House.
Lea Wood is a steam-powered beam engine which operates on some summer weekends and bank holidays.
We chose to refuel at the cafe, sampling their coffee and homemade Bakewell slices. There are toilet facilities here too.
You can also visit the old Railway Workshops for free.
After our short break we headed back the way we came, before taking our boats out at Cromford Wharf.
Once changed and packed up, you could pop over the road and visit Derwent Valley Mills – the birthplace of the factory system.
In the 18th century, water power was used in the mills for textile production.
Alternatively, you could visit Cromford.
The quaint village has pubs, restaurants, independent shops and the world-famous Scarthin Books.