Hurst Farm Heritage Trail, Matlock - Guided Walk

Hurst Farm Woodland lies on the eastern side of Matlock, on the wooded valley slopes above Lumsdale. It provides an important green corridor between the Hurst Farm and Wishingstone housing estates and the village of Lumsdale, but its landscape has been shaped by centuries of industry, community life and wildlife.

Join the Hurst Farm Ranger on Sunday 16th August for a guided walk celebrating the recently completed Hurst Farm Heritage Trail, a project led by Derbyshire Dales District Council and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

As you explore the woodland, you'll discover the stories behind this remarkable landscape, learn about its connections to the nationally significant industrial heritage of Lumsdale and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and find out how nature has reclaimed and transformed this former industrial setting. The walk will also explore how the Heritage Trail is helping local people understand and care for their local heritage while supporting volunteering and future opportunities within the woodland and community garden.

Whether you're interested in local history, industrial archaeology, wildlife or simply enjoy exploring Derbyshire's landscapes, this promises to be a fascinating afternoon.

For those who wish to stay afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Community Garden (donations to The Friends of Hurst Farm would be welcomed).

Meeting point:We'll meet at the Community Garden, which can be found in the free car park for the Farmer's View (formerly Hurst Farm Social Club) on Hazel Grove, Matlock (DE4 3ED). Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time so we can check everyone in and begin the walk promptly.

Walk length: 1.5 miles/2 hours. Please note this is an approximation and might change due to weather or other reasons.

What to wear/bring: Sturdy walking boots or shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a drink. Please note that some paths are uneven and may be muddy depending on recent weather. The route to Lumsdale includes paths with a steep gradient and several steep steps (both down and up), which some people might find challenging.

Photos by Emma Croman - https://www.emmacroman.com