Part of the Derwent Valley Mills world heritage site, it fell into disrepair (like a lot of canals) in the mid 1900's and more recently part of it has become a special site of scientific interest:
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Although there were no water vole sightings when we visited, there were other animals of interest - such as little grebes
These are migrant visitors to the Ock, often just staying for a short while, before moving on. The then can be incredibly difficult to photograph, as they spend virtually all their time underwater, only appearing for a fraction of a second to take a gulp of air, before diving back to continue what seems like an endless search for food.
However, the little grebe on Cromford Canal was more obliging, as it had a chick to feed:
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A fish that is rumoured to live on the Ock and the scourge of water voles and young water fowl is the pike, this was evident as the water is a lot clearer in the canal and was just floating rather ominously next to a family of small coots
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One thing Cromford Canal has which most other water vole hotspots doesn't is a splendid cafe. Where it is possible to enjoy the local wildlife (especially the ducks) whilst sheltering front the frequent rain showers that occur near the peak district.
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