These two special waterways-themed days on Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November will also be the last chance this year to take a horse-drawn trip on historic narrow boat Birdswood—one of just a few places where this is available. But booking is advisable on 07552 055455.
All free
All activities on and around Cromford Wharf are free, so follow the sound of the street organ to the Cromford Canal history and heritage exhibition in the Gothic Warehouse (opposite Arkwright's Mill). Also in the warehouse there will be traditional ‘roses and castles' painting by one of Britain's leading narrowboat painters, demonstrations of peg weaving, watercolour paintings of the area, and a Friends of Cromford Canal stand with canal-related items including locally themed Christmas cards.
Alongside Cromford Wharf, miniature traction engines will be chuffing and whistling their way around and offering free trailer rides all day. Nottingham Model Boat Club will be demonstrating its miniature boats on the canal, and members of the Manifold Valley Bygones Group will be exhibiting working vintage stationary engines. The Wild over Waterways (WoW!) gazebo will be offering a host of activities for children of all ages — all for free!
The event is part of the 10th anniversary of the Discovery Days Festival organised to promote the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which extends from Matlock Bath through Cromford and Belper to Derby.