A classic circular walk through the limestone dales, caves and ancient woodlands of the White Peak courtesy of OM routes editor Dave Mycroft.
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Monyash > Lathkkill Dale >
Alport > Middleton > Monyash
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Distance: 11.4miles
(18.5Km)
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Height Gain: 1600 ft
(490m)
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Overview: A circular route taking in
the classic scenery of the White Peak.
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Maps: Ordnance Survey: Explorer OL24 /
LR 119
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 1
Technicality: 1
Photogenic Grade: 3
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Start Point: SK
156 664
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A circular Peak District route through the classic scenery of the
White Peak. The walk takes in steep-sided limestone dales and caves
as you pass the remains of the thousand-year-old lead-mining
industry.
It then emerges onto the fertile high plateau and a walk back to
the picture postcard village of Monyash. Lathkill Dale itself is a
National Nature Reserve for its amazing plant and animal life
diversity in the ancient ash woodlands. Ideal for that Boxing Day
stroll [If you live in Macc, eh? ed.]
Section 1 Monyash to Conksbury Bridge
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Distance: 4 miles (6.4
km)
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Height Gain: 373ft
(114m)
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From the car park use the stile into the fields as they start
the gradual descent into upper
Lathkill Dale. Pass Fern Dale
on your right followed by Ricklow Dale on the left before passing the
obvious entrance of
Ricklow Cave again on the left.
Continue down the obvious path to Lathkill Head Cave, where
the River Lathkill starts in winter and spring. In summer the river
bypasses this entrance deep underground and emerges further
downstream. Pass the obvious entrance to Cales Dale on your right and
follow the river bank down past the remains of an old corn mill and
into the Lathkill Dale Nature Reserve.
Keep straight on through the woods past the remains of an aquaduct
from the ancient leadmines on your left. Emerge temporarily from the
woods as the river bends to the right, then continue back into the
trees to bring you to Conksbury Bridge.
Section 2 Conksbury Bridge to Middleton
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Distance: 2.6miles
(4.2Km)
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Height Gain: 315ft
(96m)
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Turn right and cross the river to continue down the opposite
bank on the old packhorse route to
Alport. At Alport cross the
road and take the gate on the right to reach a path alongside the
River Bradford. The path starts on the left bank of the river,
passing first weirs then a footbridge on your right.
Cross the river at the next small bridge and continue along the
right bank of the river on an obvious path. The path crosses the
river again at Youlgreave, and climbs slowly through the
wooded valley past Moatlow Knob to the crossing point at the weir
just before reaching Middleton village.
Follow the Limestone Way trail marker to cross the River Bradford
and climb the steep valley side to join the Youlgreave to Middleton
road.
Section 3 Middleton to Monyash
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Distance: 4.8miles
(7.72Km)
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Height Gain: 921ft
(281m)
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Turn right along the road and just past
Lomberdale Hall
take the signposted path across the field to another small section of
road. After a few yards take the Limestone Way on your right to a car
park and a final short stretch of road.
Turn left and walk the few paces to a junction where the path
heads back into the fileds directly ahead. The path now slowly climbs
to Calling Low before beginning the descent to Cales Dale.
Climb the steep side of Cales Dale and follow the signposts for One
Ash Farm (camping barn available). Beyond One Ash Grange the path
rises slowly then drops at the head of Fern Dale.
Once across the entrance of Fern Dale the path joins a green lane
leading into Monyash. In the village centre turn right along
the road for the short descent back to the car park and your starting
point.
