Black Rocks — Attraction in Derbyshire Dales

Called by here yesterday hoping to see a good range of the bigger rocks. A little disappointed. Firstly we felt the signage from the car park was poor and didn’t actually tell you which path to take for the ‘Black Rocks’. We headed up from the car park and did in fairness find a small clump of very big rocks but unless you’re prepared to climb we couldn’t easily see how you could view the front of them ? We headed up to the mast as someone had guided us that way. That took us up a steady climb into woods which was pretty but did not take us any closer to what we thought might be the main rocks. So after coming back down we took a closer look at the ones nearest to the car park and left. It did look as if there was a path below but there were trees in front so not sure if any better views and by that time we’d run out of energy as we’d been walking elsewhere as well 🙂. No doubt the locals will know better. Cafe and toilets were shut due to Covid which I couldn’t understand as all other such places around Matlock area seemed to be open ? So this further added to an uneventful visit to the Black Rocks for us unfortunately... pay and display car park or can park for free on...

My first experience at black rocks, was to get to the top of "black rock" and seeing the beautiful sight of the surroundings was breath taking. Accessible for old and young, at a steady pace. To explore the trail and the woods is my favourite place, right now. I have been walking my dog regularly there, and followed many twist and turns of the "off paths" in the woods.. it almost feels like a magical journey each time I go. A great thing about black rocks, is that I can spend 30 minutes or half a day, walking there, with my dog. In the summer, taking a picnic and enjoying the views and the wild animals is a calming experience. In the colder months, visually taking in the woodlands beauty and inhaling nature is enchanting. In my opinion, black rocks is good for the soul.. In my dogs opinion, what better place to run free and feel safe. Black rocks is a great place for all ages and abilities and leads off to many other interesting places. Cafe and parking...

This area seems really popular with locals so can be relatively busy. I had a brief window of time to visit here, so I avoided the official car park which is cash payment only. I found some parking spaces close to the road. There is a fairly steep walk up to the base of the rocks. Depending how you arrive there you may cross some slippery loose gravel. The rocks are fairly easy to access with a number of routes to reach the top and get close to edge. In total I spent less than 30 minutes here. There are a number of walks and a picnic area if you have more time. There is also a Cafe and toilet building which were closed late afternoon when I arrived. Sadly other people do not seem to respect this area so feel they can leave litter everywhere. Amazing views from the top make it well...