30. Dovedale and Manifold Valley.
- Map: Explorer OL24 The Peak District
- Time: 7.5 hours
- Distance: 30.1km/19.2 miles
- Ascent:150m
- Inset: Wolfscote Dale and Beeston Tor, Manifold Valley
This is quite a long walk through some of the Southwest Peak District's most beautiful countryside and iconic dales. The walking is easy however, following well-used footpaths and some minor roads. The last section up Manifold Valley follows the disused railway track which is surfaced. For those wanting to shorten the route to 10 miles it is possible to walk West from Milldale along minor roads, through Hopedale until one drops down to the Manifold valley at Weag's Bridge and turns right.
Start at the PAD car park at Hulme End at SK103595. Walk along the main road towards Hartington, cross the bridge and turn right by the pub. After 200m turn left and follow this minor road, across a junction and down Beresford Lane into Beresford Dale. Cross the footbridge and turn right. Follow this increasingly used footpath into Dovedale and after about 6km arrive at Milldale where there is a refreshment kiosk.
Those wanting to shorten this route should turn right here up Hopedale, then follow Wall Ditch and Larkstone Lane into the Manifold Valley at Weag's Bridge and turn right.
Otherwise continue following the river Dove for another 5km to a well-used picnic area and stepping stones. Cross these and follow the small road past a large carpark to the main road. Turn right and follow the road for 1km to Ilam. Those wanting to avoid this road section should take the footpath opposite the car park. Walk past the imposing memorial in Ilam and take the footpath on the left towards Ilam Hall. At the hall turn left across the grass to find steps leading down to the river. The River Manifold is a sad case as in all but very wet weather its passage from Wetton Mill Sinks is underground leaving a dribble and a lot of vegitation. Attempts to block the sinks have proved unsuccessful.
Follow the course of the river in a large loop for 1.2km then at a minor road turn left to the farm at Rushley where the road swings sharp right and climbs gently to Throwley Hall, ruin and farm. Pass through the farm and turn left through a stile and small wood, then up a field to where the Manifold valley can be seen ahead. Drop down the fields to a well-worn track and gate and follow this down to Beeston Tor Farm backed by Beeston Tor, a popular climbing crag. Here the empty river will be re-encountered. Follow the farm track and then the old disused railway track at Weag's Bridge.
The return to the car park is now easy, as the splendid Manifold Valley twists and turns its way north, passing Thor's Cave high up on the right and Wetton Mill where there is a cafe and toilets. The river reappears here, stay on its true left bank and eventually pass through a short road tunnel. Keep on the old railway track for about another km to arrive back at the car park.