Introduction
Mid-April to the end of June is my favourite time of year. Today, the cold east wind made winter feel not quite behind us, whilst the bright, high sun gave a real feel of summer arriving.
The wonderful birdsong, particularly the numerous willow warblers, and the sight of two male redstarts made for a fantastic backdrop to this wonderful walk.
Wheston is 50 minutes from Cheadle Hulme, just off the A623 road to Chatsworth and Chesterfield.
The 7 mile walk took took 3 hours.
There is quite a lot of road walking, though I only saw two vehicles (other than when crossing the A road). So it’s OK for dogs, provided they can deal with a few stiles, and plenty of these stone wall crossings.
I parked on the road outside Wheston Hall, postcode SK17 8JA where there is plenty of space.
The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL24.
The Upland Section
There are just a few farms in the hamlet of Wheston. One is Wheston Hall, and it made a handsome sight as I turned back from the avenue I was taking in the morning sunshine.
The road ahead appeared quite barren beyond the trees.
However, there were panoramic views across the farmland, and you wouldn’t know there were hidden dales to enjoy between the hills.
The white walls of Mount Pleasant Farm shone brightly as I met the A623.
The ancient track continued beyond the farm.
At Brecktor I took a left turn, stopping to admire the tractor weather vane at the cottage.
Peak Forest And Dam Dale
Leaving the road just before the next cottage, I followed a wall steeply downhill. It’s not obvious, but halfway down the hill the path changes from the left side to the right side of the wall.
At the lower elevations the fields become slightly greener and lusher.
After a short rise, I recrossed the main road, and walked over some fields, admiring the view back to the village of Peak Forest.
Ahead was Dam Dale Farm, where I could make out the head of the dale, behind the buildings.
Dam Dale is a lovely, quiet, broad dale. This was my first visit to this dale.
These newborn calves probably knew nowhere else!
The path soon meets a track at the start of Hay Dale.
Hay Dale
Hay Dale is a National Nature Reserve site. The cliffside before entering the dale was a busy place, with numerous jackdaws, and a beautiful pair of kestrels busy creating homes in the crevices.
In the dappled sunlight at the top of the dale, I saw my first male redstart of the day, indeed, of the year. This spot was alive with warblers, tits and finches too.
The signage here says early summer is the best time to visit this place, so the next couple of months will see it bloom in further.
Peter Dale And A Peek At Monk Dale
Crossing the minor road, the broad opening to Peter Dale is flanked by a high limestone cliff.
It soon narrows into another delightful tree-lined dale, where I stopped for lunch on a dilapidated dry stone wall.
Just as the dale opens out, the trees are once again alive with birds and I get a perfect close-up of another beautiful male redstart. The valley, looking back from the road, is a picture.
Straight on, the path continues into Monk Dale, but I headed up the road, and thought about coming back to enjoy Monk Dale on another visit. It looks inviting.
From here I joined The Pennine Bridleway, and headed back across to Wheston, enjoying a rural scene that I imagine has changed little over many centuries.
The White Peak in spring and early summer is like nowhere else. Just stunning.
Yet, I saw no other humans enjoying this little known section today!
And Finally….
Morrisey cut his musical teeth with Ed Banger and The Nosebleeds in the 70’s. Well, Ed is now Edweena Banger, but still producing banging punky songs!
Here’s “Let’s Do It”
Still very much enjoying your blog
Beware in Monk’s Dale !,looks inviting on map as well but difficult getting through, big moss covered boulders, not advisable in wet weather.Only been once it was enough! You’ll be ok though I’m sure!
Thanks Brian.
Yes, I’ve done Monk’s Dale once before and agree that it’s a challenge!