Matlock is a very popular centre for lovers of outdoor pursuits, particularly along the River Derwent where canoeing and fishing is a favourite, and at High Tor, which is an ideal place for climbers.
Matlock Canoe Club has a permanent flood lit slalom course on the River Derwent. It has 35 gates and is classified as a grade 2 rapid, also a division 2/3 national ranking slalom is held at the site every year. The club meets every Wednesday and practise on Mondays at Matlock Lido swimming pool. Families are invited where both paddlers and non paddlers are actively involved. Access to the River Derwent is available from the car park at Artist’s Corner to the bottom of the slalom course.
Fishing is popular a little further up the River Derwent at Matlock Bath and is a good site for anglers. Grayling, Trout, Barbel and Chub can all be found there. Day tickets are available from Bob Price newsagents.
Walking in the area is always a treat, especially on the cliff tops and woodlands surrounding Matlock and Matlock Bath. Although not a long distance walk can be had, the ascent certainly makes up for the exercise. A walking festival is usually organised in April and May so keep an eye out in our annual events in Matlock page for details.
For cyclists, there is a Matlock Cycling Club to become a member of if you wish, one of the country’s premier groups with a very busy programme of events. Stanley Fearn’s Cycle Shop is renowned in the cycling fraternity and for those without a bike, the nearest cycle hire shop is at Middleton Top Visitor Centre.
Motor bikers have always been drawn to Matlock, particularly Matlock Bath, with its twisty lanes and hills. It’s a well-established haunt for the bikers with hundreds of leather clad bikers haggling for parking spaces, gathering each Sunday to show off their bikes. It is quite a spectacle for fanatics and spectators and by mid-afternoon the machines all line up along the main road.
For golfers, Matlock Golf Club has a very scenic moorland course with really great views. There are several demanding pars and the club boasts the best selection of short holes in Derbyshire. With every hole different than the last, the Bentley Brook meanders through the course to add lots of interesting challenges. It is a regular choice for county and inter- county fixtures and each year welcomes new visitors.
Climbing in Matlock is the formidable challenge of the limestone crags that is High Tor. It is a mecca for climbers in the area and particularly busy at the weekends. Tuition is available through numerous climbing clubs, including locally based centres as well.
No matter how much energy you have, there is something for all the family with activities in Matlock providing a great weekend treat and a memorable addition to your holiday.