A VIEW WORTH FINDING · GRITSTONE VIEWPOINT AND WOODLAND
Black Rocks
Derbyshire · Cromford Moor
Photo: The Roaming Picture Taker
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic · Display cropped to fit
WHY GO
Climb to an Ashover gritstone outcrop for Derwent Valley views, then explore waymarked woodland paths and the nearby High Peak Trail.
Black Rocks rewards a short, steep climb with a far-reaching view over the Derwent Valley. Around the crag, Cromford Moor offers a different pace: waymarked paths weave through deciduous and conifer woodland, while the High Peak Trail opens up longer walks and rides. The landscape also carries traces of lead mining, with unusual plants growing on the old spoil. Bring a picnic and give yourself time to explore beyond the viewpoint.
Before you set out
Details and coordinates can be incomplete or out of date. Check current access, conditions, weather and your route with the site operator before travelling. This is not live navigation or emergency guidance.
Editorial review: 30 October 2026. Conditions may change.
Approach
Follow signs from the B5036 to Black Rocks car park. Take the signed uphill path towards the gritstone outcrop and allow approximately ten minutes one way for the short, steep climb, depending on pace and chosen viewpoint. The County Council’s optional waymarked woodland circuits are 1.46 km (green, about thirty minutes) or 3 km (blue, about one hour), starting at the car park gate.
Walking time from arrival (one way)
10 minutes (approximate)
Terrain & steps
Steep ascent from the car park to exposed, uneven gritstone. Woodland paths and the adjacent High Peak Trail provide gentler alternatives.
Accessibility
Derbyshire County Council lists easy-access facilities at the wider site and an accessible toilet, but the climb onto the outcrop is steep and uneven. Forestry England lists no designated accessible parking spaces for its adjoining wood. Wheelchair access to the rock-top viewpoint is unable to be confirmed at this time.
Access & restrictions
The County Council car park is chargeable, with cash, contactless and Pay by Phone accepted. Forestry England lists the wood as open dawn to dusk year-round. Dogs are allowed; barbecues are not permitted.
Facilities
Car park, toilets including an accessible toilet listed as open 9am–4:30pm, picnic area, on-site information and waymarked woodland paths. Refreshments are available at weekends and in high season.
Seasonal considerations
The woods are open dawn to dusk; refreshment availability varies by season. The steep rock climb may be slippery in wet weather.
Sources & further reading
The references behind this entry. Use current site guidance for visiting arrangements.
Approach walk: approximately 10 minutes one way from the stated arrival point.
Typical total visit: 30–60 minutes, including exploring.
Step-free approach: not checked.
Allow approximately 10 minutes one way for the short steep climb from the stated car park to the outcrop; this is a conservative editorial allowance, not an operator-timed ascent. The climbing guide locates the rock base about 200 m/3 minutes from parking; reaching a viewpoint and negotiating rock takes longer. The 30–60-minute total reflects the County Council’s two waymarked walks from this car park (green 1.46 km/30 minutes; blue 3 km/one hour), without extended climbing, café stops or longer trails. A fully step-free outcrop approach is unable to confirm at this time; nearby easy-access facilities do not establish summit access.
Source for these planning details
More to discover nearby
A few other places within 25 miles of Black Rocks. Distances are approximate, straight line; use each guide’s arrival point to plan your journey.