Cromford Canal

The construction of the Cromford Canal by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, partners in the Butterley company, was completed in 1794. It is 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. The site has a wealth of industrial heritage and has been designated a World Heritage site. 

It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Whatstandwell.

The 3.3km southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is a Local Nature Reserve, its aquatic and bank side vegetation has been managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for many years. The canal is a haven for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for Grass snakes, Little Grebes, Moorhen and Coots. The southern end towards Poyser’s Bridge is excellent for dragonflies. 
 
The canal can be explored from the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over five miles. The walk from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is suitable for pushchair's and wheel chairs. 

We manage the section from Cromford to Ambergate for recreation and wildlife. The canal has a very rich and diverse wildlife running through the attractive Derwent Valley and part of it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve.  

The Nature Reserve can be accessed from the north end at Whatstandwell Bridge, where there is a small car park off the B5035 road or at the southern end from Ambergate by a footpath off Chase Road. The old towing path which follows the canal is a public footpath - please note that this path is narrow and unsurfaced.