Top 5 Waterfalls around Crich
Best waterfalls around Crich are often found in the surrounding Derbyshire landscape, which blends natural beauty with historical significance. The area is characterized by its rolling hills and valleys, providing settings for various water features. While Crich itself is a village, nearby locations like the Lumsdale Valley offer notable waterfalls integrated with industrial heritage. This region provides opportunities to explore both natural cascades and historical sites.
Best waterfalls around Crich
- The most popular waterfalls is Lumsdale Falls, a historical waterfall and viewpoint that offers picturesque cascades. Visitors can access a permissive path for vantage points of the falls and the valley, even with some restricted areas.
- Another must-see spot is Lumsdale Valley Mill Ruins and Waterfall, a natural monument and historical site. This area combines cascading water with the ruins of ancient water-powered mills, offering a glimpse into industrial heritage.
- Visitors also love Smithy Brook Waterfall in Kenning Park, a family-friendly waterfall located within a park. This spot provides a recreational ground suitable for all ages.
- Crich is known for natural waterfalls, historical waterfalls, and family-friendly park waterfalls. The variety of waterfalls to see and explore caters to different interests, from historical exploration to family outings.
- The waterfalls around Crich are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: August 7, 2026
Lumsdale Valley Mill Ruins and Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Unfortunately, there are areas and buildings in a very poor state of repair and most of the permissive access to the old buildings, Bentley Brook, the mill ponds and waterfall has been restricted while they seek funds to stabilise, make safe and repair the buildings and features.
There is still some access on the public footpath that goes through the valley and the permissive path which gets a bit closer to the old mill is open during the week from 9:00 - 20:00. It is closed during the weekend.
Please note that there is no parking in the valley, if you would like to walk through here it's best to walk from Matlock or take the bus which stops on Chesterfield Road (north of the valley) and then walk through Lumsdale and back to Matlock centre.
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Lumsdale Falls
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Sydnope Brook Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
The Sydnop Brook is small and tumbling with a nice little waterfall close to the steep and sometimes muddy/slippery path. It's a pretty walk up through the woodland.
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Cromford Mill Pond and Waterfall
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Smithy Brook Waterfall in Kenning Park
Highlight • River
The park still stands today. Situated to the back of Clay Cross Library. The park is a beautiful recreation ground for all the family. George also built the park in the memory of his parents. George was given a knighthood in 1943 for his political and public work.
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Tips from the Community
A much more enjoyable path to walk in summer than it is in winter!
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A very stunning waterfall on outskirts of Matlock, this is a less busy waterfall than Lumsdale so well worth a visit, some paths are slightly overgrwon as not used as much
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Short little walk if you can get parked on the road. Beautiful place that is a must see!
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Harnessing the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of human discovery, whose origins can be traced back to ancient times. Thanks to such a design, a watercourse – natural or artificial – could simply replace human or animal muscle power with the power of natural elements, for example, to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit. There are essentially two drive variants for watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel – usually through a so-called "mill channel" – and falls onto the blades. This design, thanks to natural gravity, ensures greater efficiency.
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Easy to miss the entrance to view the waterfalls w3w manliness.audio.inches GR SK 31279 60558 You enter through a gap in the wall/fence (see my photo) and walk through to the Falls. The walk continues up steep steps to see more of Falls along Bentley Brook. Park with care near Highfields School and walk to see the Falls.
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Not just a pond but the reservoir for the nearby Arkwright's Cromford Mills. You've hiked this far so a slight detour? to the Mills would be worth the effort.
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In 1931 George Kenning local business man who started the Kennings Group wanted to give a gift to the people of Clay Cross. The gift was Kenning Park. The park still stands today. Situated to the back of Clay Cross Library. The park is a beautiful recreation ground for all the family. George also built the park in the memory of his parents. George was given a knighthood in 1943 for his political and public work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the waterfalls around Crich unique?
The waterfalls near Crich, particularly those in the Lumsdale Valley, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and rich industrial history. You'll find picturesque cascades flowing alongside the atmospheric ruins of 17th-century water-powered mills, providing a glimpse into Derbyshire's past.
Are there any family-friendly waterfalls near Crich?
Yes, for a family-friendly option, consider visiting Smithy Brook Waterfall in Kenning Park. This waterfall is located within a recreation ground, making it suitable for all ages and a pleasant spot for a family outing.
What kind of historical sites can I explore near the waterfalls?
The Lumsdale Valley is a significant historical site. It features the ruins of several water-powered mills, including the Bone Mill and Paint Mill, which date back to the 17th century. These structures are integrated with the natural cascades, offering a tangible link to the area's industrial heritage. The entire site is a protected Scheduled Monument.
What are the walking opportunities around Lumsdale Waterfalls?
The Lumsdale Valley offers various walking opportunities. You can explore short, circular trails that lead you past the falls and mill ruins. Longer walks, such as the Lumsdale Falls and Bone Mill Circular, are also available. Some routes even combine Lumsdale with a visit to Crich Stand, offering both natural beauty and historical landmarks.
What is the terrain like for visiting Lumsdale Falls?
The paths in Lumsdale Valley can be steep and uneven, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. While there are permissive footpaths offering vantage points of the falls and valley, some areas around the fragile archaeological structures are managed by the Arkwright Society, and access may be restricted to protect them.
How can I access Lumsdale Valley and its waterfalls?
Lumsdale Valley is within walking distance of Matlock. There is no parking directly in the valley, so it's best to walk from Matlock or take a bus that stops on Chesterfield Road (north of the valley) and then walk through Lumsdale. Be aware that access to some mill ruins and the immediate waterfall area may be restricted, particularly on weekends and bank holidays, for preservation purposes.
What outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls around Crich?
Beyond exploring the waterfalls, the Crich area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy hikes like the Woodland Stream – Cliff Quarry loop or more moderate options such as the Cliff Quarry – Woodland Stream loop. There are also gravel biking routes available, like the Middleton Top Engine House – High Peak Trail loop.
When is the best time to visit the waterfalls near Crich?
The waterfalls are particularly stunning after rainfall when the water flow is at its most dramatic. Spring and autumn are also excellent times to visit, as the woodland setting, with its ferns, moss, and changing foliage, adds to the picturesque scenery.
What do visitors enjoy most about Lumsdale Falls?
Visitors frequently highlight the unique combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue at Lumsdale Falls. The sight of cascading water amidst ancient mill ruins creates an atmospheric and almost 'fairytale-like' experience. The permissive footpaths also offer great vantage points for photography and enjoying the valley views.
Are there any viewpoints to see the waterfalls from?
Yes, at Lumsdale Falls, there is a permissive footpath that leads to excellent vantage points of the falls and the valley. You can also walk around to the Mill Pond that feeds the falls for another perspective.
Can I bring my dog to the waterfalls near Crich?
Many outdoor areas in the Peak District, including walking trails around Lumsdale Valley, are generally dog-friendly. However, always keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, wildlife, and in areas where access to fragile historical sites is managed. Check local signage for specific restrictions.
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