"The situation of Matlock Bath is
in the bosom of a deep valley by the side of the Derwent"[1].
"At its south end it is separated from the village
of Cromford by an immense limestone rock called Scarthin rock,
through one end of which the turnpike road has been formed
by blasting the stone with gunpowder. It has often been mentioned
with regret that, in doing this, the rock was not merely
perforated, and a rude arch left over the passage ; since
such a vestibule to the romantic dale would have been extremely
appropriate, and have produced a very happy effect.
Upon entering the valley here, the eye is presented with
a very striking view. The river Derwent, which flows through
it with a southern course, here winds towards the east. Beyond
it is seen a lawn; on the further side and on a very elevated
part of which stands Willersley Castle"[1].
Reverend Ward was describing the view in this photograph
of Scarthin Rock in 1827[2].
The lamp and the seat were not there is Rev. Ward's
time, of course. Willersley's lawn can be seen over the stone
wall. Road widening and improvements to the A6 in the early
1960's altered the landscape even more[3].
Rosemary Lockie has a postcard of the other side of the Tor,
showing both the rock and Scarthin Lodge, on her GENUKI site.
 See
"The
Tors, entering Cromford." |
