The steep-sided Lumsdale Valley in the Peak District has a series of picturesque waterfalls, which drop past the ruins of historic, water-powered mills. The main waterfall along Bentley Brook cascades down a narrow gorge. You can explore Lumsdale Waterfall and the historic structures via a short traiil that goes up to the top of the multiple cascades, and there a few longer loop walks in the area including the well-known Lumsdale Falls and Bone Mill Circular (2 miles / 3.1km).
From a bit further upstream you can see the upper cascades.
The trail continues up Bentley Brook, where the topmost cascade falls next to one of the abandoned mills.
Getting to Lumsdale Waterfall
The easiest way to get to Lumsdale Waterfall and historic mill structures is from a signposted hiking trail along Lumsdale Road, which follows Bentley Brook upstream.
Above the natural cascades are a collection of now overgrown mill buildings which were used for lead, textile, paint and timber production from the 17th century. The ruins include the Bone Mill used for a variety of purposes throughout the 17th century until the 1920s, from smelting lead to crushing bones. The Paint Mill dates from the 1600s and was used for bleaching and lead smelting, then for milling corn and finally grinding white barytes for the paint industry. The entire area is now a protected Scheduled Monument, which is owned and preserved by the Arkwright Society.
Nearby is one of the mill chimneys: the name Lumsdale is thought to mean either ‘valley of chimneys’ (from the Scottish word lum meaning chimney) or ‘valley of water pools’ (from the English name lumb meaning a place with a pool).
Along the road near the sart of the walking trail is The Smithy, which is connected to the Lower Bleach Works and is a Grade II listed building.
There is parking at the top and bottom of the valley, which provides access to Lumsdale Waterfall. It’s a 1.1 mile (4min) drive from Matlock in Derbyshire.
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