The construction of the Cromford Canal by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, partners in the Butterley company, was completed in 1794. It is 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. The site has a wealth of industrial heritage and the top 5 miles lie in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate managed by Derbyshire County Council. The canal is a haven for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen and coots. The southern end towards Poyser’s Bridge is excellent for dragonflies.
The canal can be explored from the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over 5 miles, and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.