Black Rocks Circular Walk, Cromford
Derbyshire
Black Rocks is an impressive gritstone crag perched above the old cotton-mill village of Cromford, managed by Forestry England and threaded with waymarked woodland trails. This dog friendly circular climbs up through the car park woodland to the viewpoint on the rocks themselves, then follows the High Peak Trail along the old railway line, before dropping back down to the Cromford Canal and looping back through the village.
Dogs are welcome throughout and can be off lead in the Forestry England woodland and along quieter sections of the High Peak Trail, though leads are sensible near the canal towpath, the road crossings and the viewpoint itself where there are sheer drops. The going is mostly firm underfoot, with a steady climb up to the rocks and mostly level walking afterwards. Parking is at Black Rocks car park with toilets, and Cromford village has cafes and pubs that welcome dogs.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.1 km (4.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Canal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets at Black Rocks car park; cafes and dog friendly pubs in Cromford village.
- Parking
- Pay and display Black Rocks car park off the B5036; all-day parking is £7, with coin and app payment accepted.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Rocks Circular Walk, Cromford dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the walk, which earns a solid 7/10 for dog friendliness. The route takes in Forestry England woodland, the High Peak Trail and the Cromford Canal, and when you're done, there are cafes and pubs in Cromford village that welcome dogs too.
Can dogs be off lead at Black Rocks Circular Walk, Cromford?
Dogs can be let off lead in the Forestry England woodland and along the quieter stretches of the High Peak Trail. However, it's worth keeping them on the lead near the canal towpath, at road crossings, and at the viewpoint on the rocks themselves, where there are sheer drops.
What should I know before visiting Black Rocks Circular Walk, Cromford with my dog?
The route involves a steady climb up to the gritstone rocks, followed by mostly level walking along the old railway line and canal, so it's a manageable outing for most dogs. Parking is at Black Rocks pay and display car park off the B5036 — all-day parking costs £7, payable by coin or app — and there are toilets on site. The terrain is mostly firm underfoot, but the viewpoint area has sheer drops so take care with excitable or off-lead dogs near the edge.
What’s Nearby?
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