ABOUT THE SITE

Cromford Wharf is the northern terminus of the Cromford Canal. It abuts Mill Lane opposite Cromford Mill. Cromford Wharf includes two warehouses, an office or counting house and two cottages which survive from the first phase of the development of the wharf. Once entirely enclosed by a stone perimeter wall, the wharf was home to a range of other facilities; these buildings have not survived.

The Canal ran 23.3 kilometres from Cromford to the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. 10.5 kilometres of the canal between Cromford and Ambergate lie within the World Heritage Site. It was constructed in the early 1790s under the direction of William Jessop assisted by Benjamin Outram, two famous engineers and industrial pioneers. The canal was intended as part of a through route to Manchester but it was not until the Cromford and High Peak Railway was constructed between 1825 and 1831 that this vision became a reality. The Cromford Canal promoters sought to unlock Derbyshire’s immense mineral wealth, especially its limestone and coal. Apart from the obvious advantages to Sir Richard Arkwright for his mills, he too saw the opportunity presented by exporting lime and sought a monopoly in this trade on the canal in return for which he was prepared to lend his name to the promoters of the canal project. Only when he was finally persuaded that such a monopoly would be against the law did he agree to give the canal scheme his energetic attention. He also agreed to sell off most of his garden to the Canal Company to construct the Cromford Wharf. With his assistance the Canal Bill was steered through Parliament in the face of considerable opposition.

The canal had a profound influence on the economic growth of central Derbyshire achieving a substantial market or outreach by means of its many wharves and linking tramroads. Thus although Belper was apparently bypassed by the canal, it still derived huge economic benefits from the canal by means of the linking tramroads.

Cromford Wharf and Cromford Canal

Cromford Canal WharfThe Canal is owned and managed by Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service, Middleton Top Visitor Centre, Rise End, Middleton, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 4LS

Contact the Countryside Service to find out about the management of the canal and to advise them of your visit.

Telephone 01629 823204 or 01629 825336

E-mail: middletop@derbyshire.gov.uk
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countryside

How to get there

By road – Cromford Wharf is just off the A6. Turn right, if coming from Derby, at the traffic lights in Cromford Village and the wharf is on the right, opposite Cromford Mill. There is no parking for coaches on Cromford Wharf.

By train – The Derby to Matlock train stops at Cromford. Cromford Station is a five minute walk from the canal and canal wharf. There is a pavement most of the way, although it will be necessary to cross the road. There is a narrow humped backed road bridge with a narrow pavement. Mill Lane is a country road but it is well used by traffic. Take care when walking this route.

What is available for school groups?

Independent Use of the Site

  • Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service welcomes the independent use of Cromford Wharf and the Canal by educational parties. Please contact the Countryside Service at Middleton Top to talk about the plans for your visit.
  • The canal towpath begins at Cromford Wharf and continues on to High Peak Junction, Whatstandwell and Ambergate. It is an excellent thoroughfare making it possible to link a visit to Cromford Mill and then by walking along the canal, with a visit to High Peak Junction and the High Peak Trail.
  • The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a key habitat for water voles. It is managed with nature conservation in mind and can be used to study issues relating to conservation management.

Site Highlights - Exploration and Discovery

  • The Canal Warehouse built in 1794. The warehouse was built soon after the canal opened for Nathaniel Wheatcroft, who was to become the principal canal carrier. The side or elevation visible from Willersley Castle has an embattled parapet and this feature has led to the structure being known locally as the ‘the Gothic Warehouse’. It used to receive goods brought in by the canal boats and awaiting outward transport.
  • A second warehouse was built in 1824. This was built to store goods awaiting transport by boat which, because of the overhanging section of the building could be loaded under cover.
  • The Counting House, begun in 1794.
  • Cromford Canal Wharf Cottages. These were built in 1796 for the Cromford Canal Company to accommodate the company administrative staff.
  • The canal towpath which links Cromford to the High Peak Junction, Whatstandwell and Ambergate

Provision for school groups

Guided Tours

The Arkwright Society offers a wide range of tours from Cromford Mill and these could include a tour of Cromford Wharf and the canal.

Classroom

The Arkwright Society manages the Gothic Warehouse on the canal wharf. There are two rooms that can be hired for use as a classroom – the Ground Floor and the Upper Floor. The fee is £30.00 for either room for a half day and £60.00 for a full day. The rooms are equipped with flip charts, OHP and screens. Catering can be arranged for groups wishing to use these rooms. Enquire from the Arkwright Visitor Services Staff at Cromford Mill.

Café

Wheatcroft’s Wharf, a café and wildlife shop, is now open on the ground floor of the second warehouse.