A varied and atmospheric circular walk from the village of Tideswell…about seven miles
This walk takes you through five dales; Tideswell, Miller’s, Water-Cum-Jolly, Cressbrook and Tansley Dales.
Begin your walk in Tideswell, a large village with plenty of options for refreshments or supplies for the walk. We picked up sandwiches from The Cherry Tree.
There is parking on the main road outside the church in the centre of the village. It is worth taking a look at this beautiful Church, also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Peak’ .
Head south with the church on your right and walk through the village past the houses and shops. Take a right when you reach Richards Lane. Just before the playground take the footpath to your left. Follow this path until it joins a minor road, turn right here and walk along the pavement for 250 yards until you see a small gate and footpath to the left. Follow this path alongside a road leading to Tideswell Dale Car Park. There are public toilets here and in summer a refreshment van.
At the end of the car park take the path through pretty Tideswell Dale,
In a mile or so you reach a quiet road. Turn left following the road with the River Wye to your right and limestone cliffs on your left. The road takes you to the historic Litton Mill.
You pass some cottages on the left and then walk through two pillars into the former 18th century textile mill now converted into private housing.
Walk past the buildings and into the Cramside Wood Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife. Continue walking, through this area with its interesting geology and wildlife. You may see trout in the river, or dippers. In Spring you could see wildflowers such as Lily in the Valley, early orchids or the rare mountain melic grass.
The area around Water-cum-Jolly Dale is very picturesque but the paths can become quite muddy and flooded at times. A little further along and you arrive at Cressbrook. At Cressbrook leave the river and head uphill, the road passes through woodland. When the road forks keep right for Ravensdale, following a no through road leading to a few cottages at Ravensdale. At the end of the lane you find a footpath leading into the beautiful Cressbrook Dale Nature Reserve.
Continue walking enjoying the depths of Cressbrook Dale, you soon emerge from the woodland and the valley opens up in front of you. Follow the path and cross the small wooden bridge turning left into Tansley Dale.
At the top of Tansley Dale follow the path through open farmland towards the village of Litton.
Once you reach the upland village of Litton follow the road past the pub and take the left when the road splits. The road slopes down, turn right at the bottom back into Tideswell.
A short circular loop from Monsal Head viewpoint…about two miles
Monsal Head is a very popular beauty spot in the Derbyshire Dales. There are incredible wide reaching views over Monsal Dale and the River Wye.
As well as these iconic views there there are several options for walking and cycling from here. There is a large pay and display car park behind the Monsal Hotel and The Stables bar serves hearty meals in a cosy atmosphere. There are iconic views from Monsal Head head down into Monsal Dale valley below and the River Wye. You can see the Headstone Viaduct and Monsal cycle trail route.
After admiring the scenic views turn left and descend through woodland to the River Wye, cross the river and turn towards the viaduct. Continue walking up the valley until you come to a bridge. Cross here and head uphill back to Monsal Head.
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