Willersley Castle Cromford: Adventure centre will be 'life-changing' for Derbyshire and Sheffield schoolchildren

The proposals for Willersley Castle near Matlock are set for approval despite concerns from mountain climbers over losing access to valued routes.

The project, from Globebrow Ltd and its company Manor Adventure, would see the Grade-II* listed former hotel, just north of Cromford, turned into an outdoor pursuits centre.

In documents submitted to Derbyshire Dales District Council, the firm says it is of the “utmost importance” to bring the 18th century mansion back into use, having been empty since it closed as a hotel in the summer of 2020.

It says that climbing, abseiling on cliff faces, and canoeing and kayaking on the River Derwent would be the main activities offered at the site.

Meanwhile, accommodation would be available for up to 90 people, with the project aimed primarily at school groups.

The house, built in 1792 to designs by William Thomas of London for Sir Richard Arkwright, is of “special architectural and historic interest”, a council report says.

Council officers have recommended that the scheme is approved, writing: “The proposal would bring this prominent and important historic building back into use within a sustainable location that would support and expand the tourism offer of the district and wider area.”