Cressbrook - Upperdale - Monsal Dale - Brushfield

Ray Gillett

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Starting from the old mill at Cressbrook, now transformed into expensive living apartments, the route goes to the River Wye at the prettily named Water-cum-Jolly. Crossing a timber bridge, we then turn to go downriver along the old Monsal Dale Railway, now named The Monsal Trail. Glorious views will be had along Upperdale to Monsal Head.

At the old railway viaduct the route then closely follows the River Wye down pretty Monsal Dale and by the noisy waterfall halfway down. At the bottom of the dale, close to the A6, the path veers right to ascend the steep hillside through bushes, to open up glorious views along Monsal Dale.

Once on the hilltop, expansive views will be had in all directions. Eventually we come to the hilltop above Miller's Dale, with more lovely views of the scenery way below. Descending the steep hillside, we cross the old railway track to take the bridge over the River Wye, then turn right to walk through Litton Mill, another expensive apartment block that used to be a mill, with a dark secret of child slave labour.

Continuing on along dramatic Miller's Dale with the gurgling River Wye on your left, you eventually get to the large bowl of Water-cum-Jolly, more like a Yorkshire Dale than one to be found in Derbyshire, then onwards back to the car.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District

Features

Birds, Cafe, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, National Trust, Pub, River, Toilets, Waterfall, Wildlife

8/5/2021 - James Watson

Walked this yesterday. The bridge at point 3 is closed. So park at ref 177723. Turn right along road. Turn right, cross river, follow path to Monsal trail then head south east to point 4. Really good varied interesting walk. Jim Watson

7/30/2017 - peter costello