Monyash to Lathkill Dale Circular Walk

11.2 miles (18 km)

A circular walk from the village of Monyash visiting Youlgreave, Bradford Dale and the popular Lathkill Dale. The pretty village makes a good base for exploring the limestone scenery of the White Peak. There's a nice village green, pub, cafe and a notable Grade II listed church with Norman sections and a 15th century font.
From the car park in the village you can pick up the Limestone Way long distance footpath. The trail runs south east, passing Fern Dale and Cales Dale before coming to Bradford Dale. Here you can follow nice riverside trails along the River Bradford into Youlgreave. In the village there are a number of good pubs where you could stop for refreshments at what is roughly the half way point on the walk.
The route leaves the village, heading north east to the River Lathkill near Alport. Follow the river north, crossing the bridge at Conksbury before entering Lathkill Dale.
The dale is a peaceful, atmospheric area flanked with large limestone cliffs and woodland. There's also waterfalls and weirs and a wide variety of flora and fauna to look out for.
The path through the dale will lead you past Over Haddon to Bagshaw Dale before returning to Monyash.
To continue your walking in the area you could head a couple of miles south of the village and visit Arbor Low. The Neolothic limestone circle sits in an elevated position�with great views over the surrounding moors of the White Peak.

Monyash Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Monyash Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Monyash OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Monyash Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

After your walk head to the Bull's Head in Monyash on Church St, DE45 1JH. The historic country pub has a �blazing log�fire to warm you after a winter walk or a lovely beer garden to sit out and relax in during the summer.
Also on Church Street you'll find the splendid Old Smithy tearooms at postcode DE45 1JH. The cafe is housed within the former village blacksmiths in a building full of character and over 250 years old.
In Over Haddon you could enjoy a pit stop at the noteworthy Lathkil Hotel. The hotel sits in a wonderful elevated position so you can enjoy panoramic views with your meal. If the sun is shining the outdoor area is one of the best in the country with tremendous country views.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the west you can try the circular walk from Hurdlow which climbs to the viewpoint at High Wheeldon. The little hamlet has a good sized public car park and a charming country pub to relax in afterwards. The High Peak Trail can also be picked up here. The shared cycling and walking trail runs along an old railway line from Cromford to Dowlow.
Just a couple of miles to the north east you'll find the neighbouring village of Sheldon. Here you can enjoy a walk to the Magpie Mine where you can explore a series of well preserved Lead Mines which date back to the 1600s.