Black Rocks

Black Rocks is a gritstone outcrop above the village of Cromford in Derbyshire, in the Derbyshire Dales area of central England. It suits anyone who wants a short walk with a view, a bit of climbing, or a bike ride along a former railway line, with traces of old lead mining thrown in.

What are Black Rocks?

The crags are a weathered outcrop of Ashover grit, a coarse sandstone typical of this part of Derbyshire. The rock has a very even texture, and weathering has left dark, ragged edges, which explains the name. On the Cromford side there is also a limestone crag nearby, so the area sits close to the boundary between limestone and gritstone, a contrast you can see in the landscape.

How do you get there?

The rocks stand right beside the High Peak Trail, a walking and cycling route that follows a former railway line. The trail runs along the bottom of the site, which makes it a natural stop for cyclists and walkers. The High Peak Trail offers around 17.5 miles (about 28 km) of traffic-free route and links with the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay, so longer outings are easy to plan. There is a car park by the rocks; payment rules have changed over time, so check current details on site.

What is worth seeing?

• Views. The top of the rocks gives wide views over the surrounding hills and valleys, one of the main reasons to visit.
• Climbing. The even-textured gritstone attracts climbers, and the outcrop is listed as its own crag in climbing guides.
• Mining heritage. The site was once mined for lead. The spoil heaps left behind support lead-tolerant plants, giving the vegetation an unusual character.
• Nearby routes. Waymarked circular walks around Wirksworth can be combined with a visit to the rocks.

Frequently asked questions

Are Black Rocks good for a family walk? Yes, the approach from the trail is short and the area is popular with walkers and cyclists. Take care, though: surfaces can be uneven and slippery, and there are sheer drops in places, so keep children close.

Can you cycle there? Yes. The High Peak Trail passes directly by and is widely used by cyclists, including mountain bikers.

Is it a climbing spot? Yes. The rock is described as very even-textured gritstone, which makes it popular with climbers.

Where exactly are the rocks? Above Cromford, near Wirksworth, in the Derbyshire Dales (Derbyshire, England).

When is the best time to visit? On a dry day, when the rock is less slippery and the views from the top are at their clearest.