Peak Walks 1. Monyash - Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale Circuit.

• Recommended map: The Peak District White Peak Area 1:25000, Outdoor Leisure 24
• Walking Time: 5 hours
• Distance: 18km/12 miles
• Ascent: Total: 300m
• Inset: Lathkill Dale

A classic must-do circuit in the White Peak District.

Park at Monyash (SK149666) and follow the Bakewell road for about 500m to where it crosses Lathkill dale (possible parking). Turn right and follow this delightful dale for about 6.5km (4 miles)to where a small road from Bakewell crosses the valley at Conksbury bridge. This is about a mile past the little road that comes down from Over Haddon which ends in a ford. On the way look out for old mine workings, Lathkill Head cave which in wet weather is the source of the river Lathkill, Dippers in the crystal clear water and Bateman's cottage, a recently restored ruin which was the site of an old mine with some very innovative pumping mechanisms. Do not attempt to explore Lathkill Head cave unless experienced in caving and with the right equipment. Much of the valley is a nature reserve. At the road at Conksbury Bridge cross the river, follow Quiet lane for about 100m then take the footpath on the left which follows the river Lathkill to Alport and the road to Youlgrave, locally known as Pommy.

In Youlgrave there are numerous possibilities for variations. Visit the church and the George Inn, check out the sights, head off left to join Bradford dale or turn right in the village centre and walk up Moor lane to the Limestone way at the car park. Otherwise:

Cross the road and follow the footpath alongside the river Bradford, past Rheinstor rock, through the outskirts of Youlgrave and into the delightful Bradford Dale. Follow the stream past several dams and a gate to an inscribed bridge on the right. Cross the bridge (signpost Limestone Way) and zigzag up the hillside to a small road. Turn right and after about 300m take the footpath on the left at a bend. This leads to another minor road, cross this and turn left for 100m to a footpath on the right, the Limestone Way. Follow this uphill to a car park at the top of Moor lane. Turn left for 100m, cross the junction, and take the path across the fields towards Calling Low farm. Pass the farm, drop down the fields and then go steeply down steps into Cales Dale. At the bottom, cross the dale, climb up zigzags, head left and climb through an unlikely gap in the small line of cliffs to reach One Ash Grange.

Continuing right down Cales Dale would bring you back to Lathkill Dale where you would turn left to return.

Pass through the farm following the broad track, don't turn left on the concessionary path but continue right past the cow shed to where the farm track swings right through a gate into a field. Here, turn left, signpost Monyash, up a grassy path over the crest of the hill, cross a stile on the left and continue in the same general direction across Fern dale, through more stiles and into a lane which leads back to Monyash.

Recommended tea shop and pub in village.

 

Particular interest: Monyash village, Lathkill Head cave, Lathkill Dale, Bateman's Cottage, Bradford Dale.