Miller’s Dale, Chee Dale And The Monsal Trail

Introduction

It’s still hot and sunny, so Cal and I decided to take a Sunday day trip to a popular Peak District spot, followed by tea out at my favourite restaurant, The Lone Star in Buxton.

It is a 45 minute drive from Cheadle Hulme.

The walk is a about 5 miles, but some of the terrain is quite tricky and we included a couple of short but steep uphill sections between the valley floor and the trail.

We really took it slowly and spent almost 4 hours to complete it including a good stop for a picnic lunch.

Dog walkers, again this is a fantastic walk for you. It’s almost all on fenced tracks or paths, or a disused railway, although this has plenty of cyclists and other walkers, at least it does on busy August Sundays!. There are a few short stretches on roads at the end, but this can be excluded if you wish.

The weather was very hot and sunny throughout, 30 C when we returned to the car.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.

We parked at the car park at the former Millers Dale Station, getting one of the last spaces at 11 am. It is just off the B6049. Take the A6 and a few miles out of Buxton towards Bakewell turn left onto the B road. The postcode is SK17 8SN.

Miller’s Dale Car Park To Chee Dale

We headed west along the disused railway and soon came to the massive disused lime kilns which have a Soviet era East European feel to their architecture.

We took a stroll up to the top, too.

Just before the viaduct, we took the steep path down to our right to the River Wye.

Signs warn that this path is susceptible to flooding and can be impassable, but not today!

It was alive, firstly with families, enjoying the stunning scenery.

We took our time, taking advantage of many of the numerous photo opportunities!

Secondly, the walls of Chee Dale gorge were alive with climbers. I don’t get it, but they must love it!

As well as the stepping stones, the path requires some clambering on shiny, slippery rocks. Don’t do this if you are unsure on your feet! Other sections are more serene as the path criss-crosses the river. We sat on a log near here for lunch, whilst we watched brown trout circling in the clear deep pools of the river.

When we reached the Pennine Bridleway we turned right and headed up onto the disused railway line to return towards Miller’s Dale.

Monsal Trail And Monks Dale

It’s much easier, shorter and quicker along here as the Monsal Trail where the London Midland Railway took passengers from Manchester to London along this route in the heyday of steam.

Soon ,we retraced our steps past the lime kilns and our car, took in a cup of tea at the Miller’s Dale Station car park cafe, and walked up the road out of the car park. Just before the white cottage we took a path to the right into Monk’s Dale.

This is different from Chee dale; no surging river, the stream had dried up, the terrain was stony, and there was evidence of cattle grazing here. So we didn’t venture far into the dale instead returning to the main road past the small church.

Sustenance

From the hill above the church, we couldn’t miss the pub opposite it. Seats by the river with parasols, and a pint of Bradfield Brewery’s “Farmers Blonde”. A fine end to a fine walk!

This walk is easily extended or shortened, and is a great family day out, with lots to keep the children interested.

We ended our day at the wonderful Lone Star Mexican Restaurant, 15 minutes away in the heart of Buxton. If you go here, beware the portions are massive – sharing a main is a good idea. You have been warned!

Anyway, full to bursting, we still managed a stroll round the delightful Pavilion Gardens to complete the day.

And Finally….

It was a magical day out at Miller’s Dale, so this oldie seems an appropriate tune! It even includes the line “I heat up, I can’t cool down”!