Whatstandwell – Cromford Canal, History and Walks

Whatstandwell lies in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales countryside and is surrounded by hills with open farmland and ancient woodland. The village combines this landscape with an unusually rich history along the Cromford Canal. This creates an interesting mix for your trip planning: nature, historic transport routes and walks that can be explored at very different lengths.

Nature on the Cromford Canal

The Cromford Canal is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest along its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. This natural area can be identified particularly clearly along the 3.3-kilometre southern section between Whatstandwell Bridge and Ambergate: it is designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is accessible at its northern end in Whatstandwell. If you value a nature-focused trip when choosing holiday accommodation, this provides a clear reference point for planning your days without reducing the village to a single activity.

The old towpath of the Cromford Canal between Ambergate and Cromford is five miles long and passes through Whatstandwell. In addition, a 3.5-mile route from Whatstandwell to Ambergate follows a distinctly varied course: it climbs steeply over farmland to the old village of Crich, then continues through the woodland of Crich Chase and descends to the level towpath of the Cromford Canal. These two route descriptions help you distinguish between a longer canal exploration and a route with a substantial climb, open countryside and woodland sections.

Bridges, Wharf and Railway History

Whatstandwell Bridge was the only river crossing between Ambergate and Cromford. The present road bridge dates from 1796 and has three arches made of dressed gritstone. Hurt's Wharf was built in 1794 beside the Cromford Canal at its junction with the Wirksworth to Alfreton Turnpike. When the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock & Midland Junction Railway was built in 1849, a low railway tunnel was created beneath Hurt's Wharf. For travellers interested in cultural history, several historical layers are found close together here: road transport, canal transport and the railway can all be understood through specific structures.

Getting Around Whatstandwell and the Surrounding Area

A direct public footpath leads via Whatstandwell Station and canal bridges into the centre of the village of Whatstandwell. The nearest bus stops are on the A6 outside Whatstandwell Station. From there, the hourly Transpeak service connects the towns and villages along the Derwent Valley and continues to Bakewell and Buxton. This connection is therefore a practical consideration if you want to choose your accommodation not only for the landscape but also for the excursions you are planning.

In the nearby town of Crich (Derbyshire), the National Tramway Museum has been located for more than 60 years. This unique open-air museum of historic transport displays historic collections, an operational tram and rides on historic trams. Whatstandwell railway station is the nearest railway station to the museum; from there, a steep footpath climbs for about one mile to the museum. Take this type of route into account when planning and decide whether a museum day involving such a climb fits your preferred itinerary.

The Right Base for Your Trip

A holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Whatstandwell is suitable as a base for very different types of days out: you can focus on the canal and its designated nature areas, discover historic structures beside the water or combine a route through Crich Chase with a visit to the Tramway Museum. The Derbyshire Dales countryside, the canal's history and the available walking and bus connections provide concrete criteria for choosing your accommodation. First consider whether you mainly want to spend your time by the water, on longer walks or visiting historic attractions.

If you would then like to compare other places in the same region, you can find Baslow, Earl Sterndale, Buxton, Cromford, Grassmoor, Shardlow, Walton and Chapel-En-Le-Frith here.

For the main travel overview: Derbyshire.