Derbyshire beauty spot closed to the public after an unprecedented number of visitors

General public access to the Lumsdale Valley ponds and waterfalls is now closed until further notice.

A statement on the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site website said: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and concerns for public safety in the Lumsdale Valley, it is with regret that the Arkwright Society, with support from Matlock Town Council, has to announce that it is unable to allow general public access to the Lumsdale Valley ponds and waterfalls until further notice.

“The recent relaxation of the lockdown measures has led to unprecedented levels of visitor activity to this beautiful valley.

“Due to its natural limitations, social distancing is impossible to maintain for visitors and local residents and therefore in the best interests of all, public access to the waterfalls will not be possible until safe to do so.

“We request that visitors do not travel to the site as parking and access will not be available.

“The Arkwright Society, its wonderful local volunteers and supporters have worked hard to try and maintain safe access to the area, but public safety for visitors and residents must be our primary concern at these difficult times.

“The situation will be reviewed should circumstances change.”

For updates on Lumsdale Valley and other heritage sites, visit www. derwentvalleymills.org or follow @DVMillsWHS on Twitter.