Middleton Wood

Wood, Forest in Derbyshire Derbyshire Dales

England

Middleton Wood

The A5012 Winding up through the wooded valley near Via Gellia.
The A5012 Credit: David Lally

Middleton Wood is a picturesque forest located in Derbyshire, England. It stretches over an area of approximately 500 acres and is known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The wood is situated near the village of Middleton-by-Wirksworth, providing a tranquil retreat for locals and visitors alike.

The woodland is primarily composed of broad-leaved trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy overhead. These trees provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as deer, badgers, and numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

A network of well-maintained trails meanders through Middleton Wood, allowing visitors to explore its diverse habitats and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The trails offer a range of difficulty levels, catering to both casual strollers and experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can discover small streams, wildflowers, and ancient trees, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the wood.

Middleton Wood is also home to several archaeological sites, including remnants of medieval settlements and a Roman lead mine. These historical features add an extra layer of interest for those fascinated by the area's past.

The wood is open to the public year-round, and there are no entrance fees or permits required. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow designated paths to preserve the delicate ecosystems within the wood.

Overall, Middleton Wood offers a tranquil and captivating experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking solace in the beauty of the Derbyshire countryside.

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Middleton Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.108339/-1.5948601 or Grid Reference SK2756. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The A5012 Winding up through the wooded valley near Via Gellia.
The A5012
Winding up through the wooded valley near Via Gellia.
Middleton Incline One of several former inclines on the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. This one was 708 yards long with a gradient of 1 in 8 3/4. The route is now part of the High Peak Trail.
Middleton Incline
One of several former inclines on the former Cromford and High Peak Railway. This one was 708 yards long with a gradient of 1 in 8 3/4. The route is now part of the High Peak Trail.
Cattle near Middle Peak As seen from the High Peak Trail.
Cattle near Middle Peak
As seen from the High Peak Trail.
B5035 at Middleton As seen from the High Peak Trail. Part of the village can be seen as well as the Derwent valley in the distance.
B5035 at Middleton
As seen from the High Peak Trail. Part of the village can be seen as well as the Derwent valley in the distance.
Cattle at Middleton Top Looking upwards on Middleton Moor.
Cattle at Middleton Top
Looking upwards on Middleton Moor.
Redhill Quarry A former quarry which is now a nature reserve and a picnic site.
Redhill Quarry
A former quarry which is now a nature reserve and a picnic site.
Fields and barn below Middleton Top Looking down from the High Peak Trail.
Fields and barn below Middleton Top
Looking down from the High Peak Trail.
The High Peak Trail Near Middleton Top.
The High Peak Trail
Near Middleton Top.
Nelson Arms and The Green in Middleton Alport Height in the far distance.
Nelson Arms and The Green in Middleton
Alport Height in the far distance.
The back of Via Gellia mill. Footpath alongside the mill pond.
The back of Via Gellia mill.
Footpath alongside the mill pond.
Country lane near Ember Farm The lane that leads down to Bonsall.
Country lane near Ember Farm
The lane that leads down to Bonsall.
The Middleton Incline The incline is approximately a 1:8 slope and is about a kilometre long. This is a good walk but a hard cycle ride up the slope.
The Middleton Incline
The incline is approximately a 1:8 slope and is about a kilometre long. This is a good walk but a hard cycle ride up the slope.
The Middleton Incline The incline looks less steep than it really is. It is well shaded by mature trees which helps on a hot day when walking up the slope.
The Middleton Incline
The incline looks less steep than it really is. It is well shaded by mature trees which helps on a hot day when walking up the slope.
The Middleton Incline The incline is passing over the B5023 at this point. You can just see a  red and white sign at the road side below the trail.
The Middleton Incline
The incline is passing over the B5023 at this point. You can just see a red and white sign at the road side below the trail.
The Middleton Incline The incline must have taken a great deal of work to build. This is a deep cutting which needed much effort and explosives to create and just below is an embankment which is about 30 feet high. No doubt the material from this cutting was used to make the embankment.
The Middleton Incline
The incline must have taken a great deal of work to build. This is a deep cutting which needed much effort and explosives to create and just below is an embankment which is about 30 feet high. No doubt the material from this cutting was used to make the embankment.
The Middleton Incline The incline is just about to pass over the B5035 Rise End Lane as we get close to the top.
The Middleton Incline
The incline is just about to pass over the B5035 Rise End Lane as we get close to the top.
The Middleton Incline Now near the top of the incline.
The Middleton Incline
Now near the top of the incline.
Middleton Top We can now see the engine house at Middleton Top. This has been restored and is steamed quite regularly, but has no doubt been steamed less during the COVID epidemic. The sky is gray and it is raining lightly which is rather different from the weather forecast.
Middleton Top
We can now see the engine house at Middleton Top. This has been restored and is steamed quite regularly, but has no doubt been steamed less during the COVID epidemic. The sky is gray and it is raining lightly which is rather different from the weather forecast.
Show me another place!

Middleton Wood is located at Grid Ref: SK2756 (Lat: 53.108339, Lng: -1.5948601)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: Derbyshire Dales

Police Authority: Derbyshire

What 3 Words

///positives.snowballs.watching. Near Cromford, Derbyshire

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Middleton Wood

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.108339,-1.5948601
Barrier: stile
Material: stone
Source: survey;bing;gps
Stile: squeezer
Lat/Long: 53.1120452/-1.5945431
Parking
Lat/Long: 53.1060833/-1.5995972
Barrier: stile
Steps: 2
Stile: wall
Lat/Long: 53.1078953/-1.600302
Barrier: entrance
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 53.1041641/-1.5942616
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.1072254/-1.598472
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.1072543/-1.5984582
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.1075293/-1.5984036
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.1073143/-1.5984315
Description: Stationary cable car
Tourism: attraction
Lat/Long: 53.1072908/-1.5983285
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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