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▶High Tor and the Chasm, Matlock
A 300 ft limestone cliff above Matlock Bath with a vertigo-inducing ledge path, fenced mining chasm, and jaw-dropping gorge views.
Loop
About
One of England's tallest inland rock faces, this limestone cliff offers a vertiginous ledge path carved into the stone itself, with a dramatic mining chasm splitting the summit.
High Tor is a vast limestone reef knoll that rears out of the Derwent Gorge between Matlock and Matlock Bath, its cliff face running to around 300 feet, one of the tallest inland rock faces in England. The grounds were first opened to Victorian day-trippers by Peter Arkwright in the mid-19th century, and the infrastructure from that era is still what you follow today: stepped zigzag woodland paths, waymarked junctions, and the infamous Giddy Edge ledge path chiselled into the cliff face itself.
The chasm that gives this spot its distinctive name sits just below the summit and is a pair of ancient lead-mine workings, now fenced and signed, that split the hillside in a dramatic narrow gash. Nearby are the Fern and Roman Caves, two further former mine adits opened as curiosities by the Victorians. None require a torch or specialist kit; they are viewable from the path. The summit viewpoint looks west across the full width of the Derwent Valley to Riber Castle on its opposing hill, and south towards the Heights of Abraham cable cars rising from Masson Hill.
Giddy Edge itself is the walk’s talking point: a very narrow unfenced path running along the cliff lip with a wrought-iron handrail fixed only to the inside edge. It is not suitable for small children or anyone uneasy with exposure, but the views across Matlock Dale from that perch are genuinely extraordinary. The grounds are managed by Derbyshire Dales District Council and are free to enter and open during daylight hours throughout the year. Sturdy footwear is strongly advised; the paths can be muddy and the inclines are steep.
Why go
- Giddy Edge is one of the most dramatic cliff-ledge footpaths in England, a narrow Victorian-cut path with a 300 ft drop into Matlock Bath below.
- The fenced mining chasm near the summit is a striking geological feature, a remnant of lead-mine workings dating back to the 16th century.
- Summit viewpoints give unbroken sightlines across the Derwent Gorge to Riber Castle, Masson Hill, and the Heights of Abraham cable cars.
- The loop takes in waymarked woodland, riverside paths along the Derwent, and the more formal Hall Leys Park in Matlock, keeping the walk varied throughout.
- Giddy Edge is unfenced and involves real exposure, it is not suitable for young children or anyone nervous of heights; boots are essential as paths get muddy.
Before you go
- Giddy Edge is unfenced and not recommended for young children; boots essential; can be muddy in wet weather
- Paths can be very muddy and slippery after rain; some sections boggy in winter
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5Must be visited . Limited access for car park during busy time but there are few parkings before reaching the main entrance to the cable car .
From Heights of Abraham carpark it's a steep walk up to the view point, but well worth it when you get to the top. Giddy Edge is just below High Tor and it's not one to miss if you're going up. But not for those who don't like Heights. It's not too bad.
Tips
0Is there an entrance fee for High Tor Grounds?+
No, the grounds are free to enter. They are managed by Derbyshire Dales District Council and open during daylight hours.
What is Giddy Edge and is it safe?+
Giddy Edge is a very narrow ledge path chiselled into the cliff face with a wrought-iron handrail fixed only to the inside edge. It is not suitable for small children or anyone uneasy with heights, but offers extraordinary views across Matlock Dale.
Is there parking available at High Tor?+
Yes, free parking is available at or near High Tor Grounds on High Tor Road, Matlock, DE4 3DG.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Giddy Edge is unfenced and not recommended for young children; boots essential; can be muddy in wet weather
- 1. Start at Matlock Bath railway station car park on Dale Road and head towards the station building.
- 2. Cross the railway tracks at the station with care, then walk along the path beside the tracks signed towards the cable cars.
- 3. Pass the Heights of Abraham cable car pay booth and go through the pedestrian gate on the right, then turn left up the steps into the High Tor Grounds woodland.
- 4. Bear right up the stepped zigzag path; at the waymarked post follow the uphill path to the left, keeping to the main distinct path.
- 5. Pass the fenced chasm (former lead-mine workings) on your left, take note of safety notices and stay on the path.
- 6. Continue up to the cliff-top viewpoint and, for the brave, take the Giddy Edge ledge path along the cliff lip with its wrought-iron handrail; the summit viewpoint looks west over the Derwent Gorge.
- 7. Descend from the top of High Tor heading north, dropping steeply through the woodland back down towards Matlock town, passing through Hall Leys Park.
- 8. Follow Dale Road south out of Matlock and ascend through woodland to the Heights of Abraham site on Masson Hill, then descend back through the woods to the riverside.
- 9. Pick up the Lovers Walk riverside path south along the River Derwent to return to Matlock Bath station and the car park.
Trail details
- Route typeLoop
- Terrainwoodland, limestone cliff-edge, riverside, stepped path
- Best seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Paths can be very muddy and slippery after rain; some sections boggy in winter
Getting there
- ParkingStation Yard Car Park, Dale Road, Matlock Bath
- Parking costPay and display, £7.20 all day (Derbyshire Dales standard rate)
- PostcodeDE4 3PG
Features
Getting there
- ParkingStation Yard Car Park, Dale Road, Matlock Bath
- Parking costPay and display, £7.20 all day (Derbyshire Dales standard rate)
- PostcodeDE4 3PG
Reviews
5 on GoogleMust be visited . Limited access for car park during busy time but there are few parkings before reaching the main entrance to the cable car .
From Heights of Abraham carpark it's a steep walk up to the view point, but well worth it when you get to the top. Giddy Edge is just below High Tor and it's not one to miss if you're going up. But not for those who don't like Heights. It's not too bad.
Great little trek for anyone. Perfect for families as they have picnic benches etc. also have a pretty steep section with handles and that was great fun.
Parked at the train station to explore the area Hard standing car park, a few amenities nearby, Pay and display even for Blue badge holders High Tor dominates the area, an area full of geological features, old mining works are evident through out the area Plenty of paths throughout the area to explore the woods some easier than others Superb views from the top
Went here a few weeks ago, quite a nice easy walk to the top. It's a known area from the locals with a bit of history. Beautiful views at the top (don't look down if your scared of heights)
Tips
0Questions
7Is there an entrance fee for High Tor Grounds?+
No, the grounds are free to enter. They are managed by Derbyshire Dales District Council and open during daylight hours.
What is Giddy Edge and is it safe?+
Giddy Edge is a very narrow ledge path chiselled into the cliff face with a wrought-iron handrail fixed only to the inside edge. It is not suitable for small children or anyone uneasy with heights, but offers extraordinary views across Matlock Dale.
Is there parking available at High Tor?+
Yes, free parking is available at or near High Tor Grounds on High Tor Road, Matlock, DE4 3DG.
Can I bring my dog to High Tor?+
Yes, High Tor is dog friendly, so you are welcome to bring your dog on the trails.
What are the caves at High Tor and do I need special equipment to visit?+
The Fern and Roman Caves are former mine adits opened as visitor curiosities by the Victorians, and the fenced mining chasm is a pair of ancient lead-mine workings. No torch or specialist kit is required as all are viewable from the path.
What can I see from the summit viewpoint?+
The summit looks west across the Derwent Valley to Riber Castle and south towards the Heights of Abraham cable cars rising from Masson Hill, giving panoramic views of the gorge.
Are there toilets and a pub nearby?+
Yes, the venue profile lists both toilets and a nearby pub among the facilities available at or close to High Tor Grounds.