Lumsdale Waterfall – Lumsdale Falls loop from Matlock

Hiking trails & Routes

Lumsdale Waterfall – Lumsdale Falls loop from Matlock

Easy

4.6

(29)

146

hikers

Lumsdale Waterfall – Lumsdale Falls loop from Matlock

01:17

4.51km

110m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

700 m

Mill Pond

Highlight • Structure

The Mill Pond (aka Lower Pond) was originally a quarry but was converted into a reservoir in 1850 to supply a continuous flow of water to power machinery.

Tip by

741 m

Lumsdale Valley Mill Ruins and Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Lumsdale valley holds some important examples of water powered mills in Britain. It was scheduled as an ancient monument in 2014 by Historic England. It has been owned by the Arkwright Society since 1996 which also own Cromford Mills.
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.

Tip by

880 m

Lumsdale Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

impressive ❣️

Tip by

925 m

Lumsdale Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Beautiful spot, currently access to the actual waterfall & mill ruins is NOT permitted at weekends. The area is fenced off and owned by the Arkwright Society who are preserving it

Tip by

1.34 km

The Bentley Brook Brewing Co.

Highlight • Pub

friendly welcome at this brewery pub lovely pint cheers

Tip by

1.35 km

Lumsdale Glass Works

Highlight • Historical Site

Lots of ruins along the walk and information boards about the history of them

Tip by

2.70 km

View of Tansley

Highlight • Viewpoint

3.98 km

Bentley Brook and Upper Pond

Highlight • Natural

Bentley Brook runs through Lumsdale Valley into the River Derwent.

The Upper Pond was constructed in the 1780s by Watts, Lowe and Co to supply water for their cotton mill. It has silted up since the dam wall broke in 1947 and is now a designated nature reserve. The Middle Pond was also from the 1780s and was restored in 2014 (funded by the Heritage Lottery) after being dry and overgrown. The Lower Pond was originally a quarry but was converted into a reservoir in 1850.

Tip by

4.51 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types