Macclesfield Marauders

Let's head out to Miller's Dale and explore the sights -- Deep Dale, the River Wye, Thirst House Cave and more. This 11 mile circular hike is moderate in distance and elevation but has a number of tricky parts that require you to watch every step, so it's not recommended for inexperience hikers.

Route...

Starting at Miller's Dale Car Park, we'll head away from the old railway station along the Monsal Trail before heading up through Priestcliffe to the Sough Top trig point. Then it's through the fields and over stiles to Chelmorton Low, past the Church Inn and on to Priest's Way with its caves and rocky valley walls.

We'll follow the path into Deep Dale where the terrain gets a little more wild and wooded until we reach Thirst House Cave, which we'll stop and explore. From there we climb up out of the valley and along the somewhat precarious valley ridge back towards the River Wye.

The walk then follows the river, over rocks, along muddy paths and stepping stones which, depending on the weather, can be slippery. After a fair bit of off-roading we'll re-join the Monsal Trail, past the Lime Kilns and back to Miller's Dale Car Park and an optional drink at the Anglers Rest.

Parking...

Parking is £4.75 all day. There's a café and toilets at the start point.

Dogs...

There are many difficult stiles and fields with cows to negotiate so only capable, well-behaved dogs are allowed.

Potential hazards...

• Overgrown paths/nettles
• Cows (and bull) in fields
• Muddy sections
• Slippery rocks
• Precarious heights
• Many awkward stiles

What to bring...

Please bring a packed lunch, plenty of water and appropriate clothes/footwear for the weather.

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DISCLAIMER

Please acknowledge the following:
• The walk is entirely free of charge. You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses.
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part).
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself.
• Walk distances can be up to 15 miles or more and we can be out for as long as 5-7 hours.
• We usually stop for a packed lunch and pop in to a country pub for a post or mid-hike drink.

Please bring:
• Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended.
• A packed lunch and enough snacks to keep you energised along the walk.
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy.
• Walking poles (optional).
• Cash and card, for the pub, or in case you need to stop and get taxi, bus or train ticket.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organised by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is not a business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.