Aerial Footage of Cromford Canal, Derbyshire.
This stretch of water flows through some of England’s most picturesque countryside, including the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The canal from Cromford to Ambergate is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest along its entire length. Additionally, the 3.3km section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is recognized as a Local Nature Reserve. Our management of the canal takes into account both recreational and wildlife considerations.
The canal is a habitat to a wide range of diverse wildlife. It provides shelter for various endangered species such as the water vole, as well as grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen, and coots. The area near Poyser’s Bridge at the southern end of the canal is especially abundant in dragonflies.
You can explore the canal by walking on the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, which is a little over 5 miles long. The section of the path from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To reach the nature reserve, you can use the towpath off Chase Road. The northern end can be accessed at Whatstandwell, while the southern end is accessible from Ambergate. It is important to note that the public footpath along the old towpath, which runs along the canal, may be narrow and uneven in some places.
