Top 8 Caves around South Darley

A short but exciting scramble up the rocky outcrop behind Birchover village leads to Rowtor Rocks, a wonderland of weirdly carved boulders, hidden tunnels, secret steps, and a proper little cave once used by a 17th-century vicar who liked to play at being a druid. Kids from age 4 absolutely love it here – there’s endless climbing, squeezing through narrow gaps, discovering carved chairs and altars, and plenty of “secret cave” excitement without it ever feeling too big or overwhelming. The paths are short, the rocks are grippy, and little legs can explore to their heart’s content while parents keep an easy eye from just a few metres away. Bring wellies or grippy shoes after rain (it can be slippy) and let the kids lead the adventure – they’ll be talking about their “druid cave mission” for weeks

Heights of Abraham great views

19th century pleasure ground which exploited the dramatic qualities of the Derwent valley. Peter Arkwright of Willersley Castle enclosed the grounds c 1860 and constructed pedestrian paths from a new entrance on the south side approached from the bridge to Matlock Bath railway station. The entrance from Starkholmes Road was retained and could be used by carriages. A pathway was formed through Fern Cave (scheduled ancient monument) and another on a narrow ledge along part of the cliff face. In 1879 the grounds were leased to the Matlock and High Tor Recreation Grounds Company Ltd and Milner of London was retained to supervise landscaping. Arkwright's Grand Walk, also used by carriages, was created, leading south to the summit from a gateway in Pig Tree Lane, now Pic Tor Lane. A refreshment room was erected near the summit, tennis and quoit or skittle grounds were constructed close to a modified southern entrance and additional paths put in with a broad flight of steps.

A nice place for a little scramble...and a great view at the top. Rowtor Rocks consists of numerous interlinked tunnels and caverns, some natural and some man-made. Many of the rocks have been carved with symbols and pictures, including serpents, circles and cups. A series of steps, thrones and altars have also been fashioned out of the stone in a number of places.

The footpath along the summit is commonly known as Giddy Edge, unfenced and not recommended for small children . There is a small metal handrail afixed to the inside edge (of the cliff) totally spectacular.

High Tor is the last place in England where eagles nested and is a stunning limestone escarpment which is the site of former lead mines.

Lathkill Head Cave is a cavern within the limestone of the gorge that forms Lathkill Dale, in the White Peak area of the Peak District, in Derbyshire. The cave mouth is found to the east of Monyash. In wet weather, the water trickling in innumerable rills into the cave creates a stream gushing forth from its mouth to form the River Lathkill, whence the name of the cave. In dry weather the headwater of the river is formed from the springs a little below. The rocks here are fissured and complex. Cavers have found a number of entrances into the cave which are explored by the fearless.

Hermit's cave dates back to the 14th century and features a 4 foot (1.2 m) high carved crucifixion on the wall and a niche for a lamp or candle. The crucifixion is carved so that the hermit could see it from his sleeping ledge on the west wall. The cave is secured with an iron railing and so can only be viewed from the exterior.