River valleys: Derwent
The drainage pattern of the Peak District is dominated by north to south draining rivers which are tributaries of the River Trent. The three major Peak District rivers are the Dove, Manifold and Derwent. The Derwent River system is the largest, draining much of the northern, central and eastern parts of the Peak, whilst the Manifold/Dove system drains the western margin. After the River Wye joins the Derwent at Rowsley, the river flows through a broad floodplain developed on soft shale bedrock. |
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At Matlock, the river suddenly narrows to a steep-sided gorge which continues for about five kilometres as it cuts through the hard limestone bedrock. Spectacular limestone cliffs loom over the river at Matlock Bath. On reaching Cromford, the valley widens again as it cuts across a series of shales and sandstones. The Derwent Valley is a main transport artery and the south-eastern gateway to the Peak District. It carries the main A6 trunk road, the Matlock to Derby railway, as well as the long-disused Cromford Canal.
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