Bradford Dale, Lathkill Dale & The Limestone Way (Hill Walking)

Bradford Dale, Lathkill Dale & The Limestone Way (Hill Walking)
Sunday, 6th December

A walk not to be missed!
If you love beautiful countryside, picturesque villages, peaceful riverside paths and spectacular limestone scenery, then this walk has it all.
Starting from the charming village of Youlgreave, this delightful circular walk of just over 10 miles takes us through some of the finest scenery the White Peak has to offer.

We begin by descending to the lovely River Bradford, following its tranquil waters for a short while before climbing out of the valley and joining the famous Limestone Way. Heading northwest towards Monyash, we enjoy wonderful views across the rolling limestone countryside, with its patchwork of green fields, dry-stone walls and traditional Derbyshire farmsteads.

The real highlight comes as we descend into Lathkill Dale, one of the Peak District's most spectacular limestone valleys. Here the scenery changes dramatically. Towering limestone cliffs, steep wooded slopes and the crystal-clear waters of the River Lathkill combine to create a truly magnificent setting. It is a wonderfully atmospheric place, with the river winding its way through the gorge beneath a canopy of trees. Keep an eye out, too, for the fascinating remains of the area's historic lead-mining industry, which once played such an important part in the fortunes of these villages.
Following the river through this beautiful dale, we eventually reach Alport, a pretty little settlement steeped in rural history, before turning back towards Youlgreave and our starting point.

There is history around almost every corner. Youlgreave itself grew in prosperity through the lead-mining industry of the 17th and 18th centuries, while Lathkill Dale still contains remarkable remains of its mining past, including old mine workings, water channels and engine-house ruins.

This is a walk offering a wonderful variety of landscapes, from peaceful riverside paths and open rolling countryside to dramatic limestone gorges and ancient woodland. Add in the charm of traditional Peak District villages and some truly memorable views, and you have all the ingredients for a superb day's walking.

Over ten miles of outstanding Peak District scenery – a walk that really does have something for everyone and one that should be firmly on your walking bucket list!

Additional Notes:
There is no lunchtime pub stop so please bring enough food and drink to last you all day.

Registered assistance dogs only please by prior arrangement with the walk leader.

Circular Walk
Start time 9:45am
Estimated finish time 3:30pm