HEAD  &  DALES  WALK

CONTACT : Janet Housley, 5 Mount Pleasant, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 4DE
Tel: 01623 469108      E-mail:  south-yorks-strollers@bwf-ivv.org.uk
DISTANCE:  14km
GRADE: 2+
ENTRY FEE:  £1.00 per walker  (Cheques payable to South Yorkshire Strollers)
AWARD:  Sew on Badge at £2.50 each
ENTRY SYSTEM: Postal

START VENUE:  Car Park at Millers Dale Station. (Closed).  Map: 119  GR SK136733
CAR PARKING: At the start venue
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:  None available.
TERRAIN:   Minor roads, farmland, moorland and riverside paths.
REFRESHMENTS:  Can be purchased on route.

The walk follows the River Wye through Millers Dale, Litton Mill and Water-cum-Jolly Dale before crossing the railway viaduct and climbing to Monsal Head. After enjoying a pint or other suitable refreshment and taking in the famous view from this location, the route follows the river along Monsal Dale before returning to Millers Dale via Bushfield and High Dale.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Exit car park and turn right down hill.  At T junction turn left (signposted Litton Mill).  Opposite church bear right along lane (signposed Litton Mill only).

Q1.    What is the name of the Public House which you pass?

Carry on along lane for approximately 2km to reach Litton Mill.  At end of lane go between posts (Litton Mill Private land concession path only) and pass Mill on right hand side.  After Mill turn right, over bridge and immediately left along footpath and carry on keeping river and pools on right for approximately 1.5km.  Cross wooden footbridge.

Q2.    What is the freephone telephone number on the 'River Watch' sign on bridge?

Turn left and follow footpath  round Mill (tall wall on left hand side) to reach road.  Turn right and carry on along road to Upper Dale Guest House then turn right along lane.  Cross bridge and turn left on track up hill; go under bridge and turn left on to Monsal Trail and then right along Trail (passing old brick building on right).  Continue along Trail under bridge and across viaduct.

Q3.    When did the Midland Railway run here? (Sign at far end of viaduct.)

Just before tunnel bear left on footpath up hill; at bend in path turn right and follow sign up hill towards Monsal Head.  Take in the view which is reputedly one of the most photographed in the Peak District; have a drink in pub or cafe before continuing - both are very good.

Turn left an follow footpath signposted Monsal Head Weir and Ashford.  At fork in paths take lower, right hand path, towards telegraph pole and keep on this, crossing stile to reach weir.  At weir continue on path keeping river on right hand side; turn right over river bridge and then left up path.  Continue ahead with river on left and at fork in path take right hand fork.
After approximately 1.5km from weir look out for footpath sign on right; follow this path slightly back on yourself up through trees (signposted Bushfield).  There are a series of steps as the path twists uphill; at top bear right on wide grassy path between bushes to reach stone stile.  Cross stile.  Turn right along track and then just before farm building bear left through gate (yellow waymark); after 30metres go through second gate and turn left then right between farm buildings.  Continue up track with wall on left, then wall on both sides.  Go through gate and continue ahead with wall on right; where path forks take left track across field towards lone tree.  At fork by tree go left again (signposted Bushfield) and continue along track through gate and ahead.  Go through second gate to pass between farm buildings.

Q4.    What is the speed limit through farm yard?

At lane turn left, downhill (signposted Taddington).  At sharp left hand bend in lane go straight ahead through latch gate (public footpath sign) and go ahead with wire fence on right hand side.  Continue along High Dale with wall on right; go through gate and continue ahead.  At end of stone wall follow grassy path to right, uphill.  When approaching second stone wall bear left to go through gap in wall.  Continue ahead with wall on right.  At top cross stile over wall and turn left on track; after 40metres turn right over wall stile and go ahead with wall on right hand side.  At end of field cross wall stile on left and turn right keeping wall on right hand side.  At fork carry on ahead (wall still on right).  Follow course of narrow field as it turns left and downhill. Cross stile at bottom corner and turn left downhill (fence and wall on left).  Go through gate and continue downhill (yellow waymark); keep on distinctive path downhill. Cross stile.

Q5.    On sign on left; What is the name of the Nature Reserve?

Descend steps to Monsal Trail; turn left and keep on Trail back to Millers Dale station.

This trail is registered until 31 December 2008.

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