Black Rocks

The path up from the car park is short but genuinely steep, and it is the one part of the visit that asks for a bit of effort and reasonable footwear. The reward is superb open views over the surrounding countryside. Gentler walking routes lead out from the car park too, so you can enjoy the woods without committing to the ascent. Do not assume the crag top itself is an easy or accessible objective.

From the rocks the outlook is wide and layered. For more, follow the High Peak Trail on foot or by bike: a short stretch to Sheep Pasture Top opens views of Matlock Gorge, Cromford and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Head west along the trail instead and you can reach the National Stone Centre and Middleton Top Countryside Centre and Cycle Hire.

The dark gritstone face is a long-standing climbing venue with a range of grades, from lower and middle grades through to very hard routes. Expect other climbers on the popular lines at busy times, and treat the rock and the ground below with the usual care.

Waymarked walks thread through the Cromford Moor woodlands, mixing deciduous and conifer woodland with heather moorland, all managed in cooperation with the Forestry Commission. The site sits close to the boundary between limestone and gritstone, which helps explain the variety of habitats. This ground was mined for lead, and the spoil on the scree slope now supports lead-tolerant plants known as leadworts. The scree is also a good place to look closely at rocks and minerals, so bring curiosity rather than a hammer.

• Parking is on site, along with an accessible toilet, a picnic area and on-site information boards.
• Marked footpaths, a cycle path and a bridleway spread out from the car park, so walkers, cyclists and riders all have options.
• Refreshments have been available at weekends and in the high season, but this pattern changes, so plan as if you may need to bring your own food and drink.
• Wear shoes with grip; the gritstone can be slick and the ascent is short-lived but sharp.