Leaving the caves behind and continuing along the path you'll eventually come to sharp right dog-leg bend (notice a couple of young Rowan trees). You can opt to peak over the edge and down into the valley here.

Rowan trees on route

This view point will reward you with fabulous vistas over Matlock Dale and the River Derwent.

We're on the lower flanks of High Tor here and peering down you'll see the scree debris which has come down from the rocks themselves. The River Derwent is below but is completely hidden by the trees during spring and summer.

The view takes in pastures and wooded hills and you'll be able to make out Masson Hill which climbs to over 1000 feet on the far side of the valley.

We took a walk through time on Otober 16th. Take a look at the pictures.

For those who want to explore the other side of the valley there's an alternative to walking. You can of course take the easy route via the Heights of Abraham cable cars.

Beech tree clinging to the limestone

On the far side you'll see more limestone crags. And there's plenty of evidence of volcanic activity which happened during the carboniferous period.