Black Rocks

About

Our countryside sites are open for you to enjoy. Before you venture out, please visit the website to see the latest information about what facilities are open and measures in place during coronavirus.

This popular walking and climbing area has attractive circuit walks through adjoining woods, provided in cooperation with the Forestry Commission. The site has interesting wildlife walks through different types of deciduous and conifer woodland.
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Black Rocks is a weathered outcrop of Ashover grit which can be reached by a short, but steep climb, from the car park. The climb up onto the gritstone outcrop of Black Rocks is rewarded with superb views. Waymarked walks guide you through the Forestry Commission woodlands of Cromford Moor. You can access beautiful and varied countryside, including the High Peak Trail.

A short walk or ride along the trail to Sheep Pasture Top provides an excellent view of the Matlock Gorge, Cromford and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. To the west is the National Stone Centre and Middleton Top Countryside Centre and Cycle Hire.
The Black Rocks site was mined for lead, the spoil on the scree slope leading up to Black Rocks supports many interesting lead tolerant plants (leadworts). The scree slope is an ideal place to search for a variety of rocks and minerals. Other interesting habitats can be explored from Black Rocks, since it is near the boundary between limestone and gritstone. Cromford Moor has heather moorland and various types of woodland.
Refreshments are available at Black Rocks at weekends and during the high season.