Walk 2573 - Tideswell, Miller's & Cressbrook Dales from Litton

This easy walk visits the three dales south of the charming village of Litton. There is always something of interest in these limestone dales, Trout in the rivers, Orchids in July and climbers on the crags throughout the year. In general paths are very clear but a little care is required to pick up the correct road from the village.

From Litton Village (Grid ref. SK165751), leave on the minor road in a south westerly direction passing Dale House to the road junction (Grid ref. 155748). Turn left and continue down hill, passing the sewage works on the right to reach a car park and picnic area, which is at the head of Tideswell Dale. Take the path to the right of the toilet block to follow the river down to a lane. Turn left to follow the River Wye downstream through Miller's Dale.

Reaching a collection of cottages note how clear the river is and you should be able to see the large trout. They are quite tame and will react quickly if you flick a small piece of bread into the river. The path now passes through the large derelict building of Litton Mill, notorious for its child labour. Still following the north bank of the river you will notice the river widens to form large pools. You are now in the rather quaintly named Water-cum-Jolly Dale surrounded by high cliffs. The sheer faces on your left are the playground for climbers. All the climbs have been graded and there are many sport climbs, which can be identified by the pre-fixed bolts in the rock face. At the cave you will see many of these bolts.

Just after the cave do not cross over the weir but keep to the north bank to pass another old mill (Grid ref. 173728). Turn left up the lane, keeping to the right hand lane to pass some cottages to enter Cressbrook Dale at a bend in the lane. There used to be a thriving watercress industry in this dale and this is the place to see the Common Spotted Orchid (when in flower the dale is covered with them).

The path wanders through the bushes and trees never far away from the brook before it climbs steeply up the east bank (Grid ref 176745) only to drop back down again into the dale. Keep to the dale passing the impressive Peter's Stone on your right, which is thought to be the place of the last public hanging in this country from the gibbet. The path ends at a road. Turn left and then left again to follow the footpath up the fields to Mires Lane and back to the start.

Contributors Website or Email - Click for more Information

OS Map showing start

Ordnance Survey Map showing starting point of walk - Click Here

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL24
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 119

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

3, New Houses, Cressbrook
Self Catering - 0.8 miles / 1.2 km away

Peak district holiday barn, Wardlow Mires
Self Catering - 1.1 miles / 1.7 km away

Hargate Hall, Wormhill near Buxton
Self Catering - 2.9 miles / 4.6 km away

Swiss House, Castleton
Guest House - 5.1 miles / 8.1 km away

Shatton Hall Farm Cottages, Bamford
Self Catering - 5.1 miles / 8.2 km away

Darwin Forest Country Park, Matlock
Self Catering - 5.1 miles / 8.2 km away

Spring House Farm, Castleton
Self Catering - 5.5 miles / 8.8 km away

Cannon Croft, Hathersage
Bed & Breakfast - 5.6 miles / 8.9 km away

Peak Walking Adventures, Peak District
Walking Tours - 5.8 miles / 9.2 km away

Thorpe Farm Bunkhouse, Hathersage
Bunkhouse - 6.1 miles / 9.7 km away

Self Catering Directory
A wide range of properties throughout UK & Europe

NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"

'