Peak District 3rd March 2011

3rd March 2011 - A Five Dales Walk
Pathfinder White Peak Guide - Walk 17 (7 Miles)

We arrived in Tideswell around 11:45 and parked street side for free. The day was cloudy and cold around 2-3 degrees, but dry. We set off around mid-day walking through the village past the church, then taking a left up some steps and left along a path above the village.

Following a lane to the right we passed through the village of Litton, turning right and across a stile through fields to Tansley Dale (the first of five dales of the walk). Here we saw evidence of old mine shafts and workings.

A little further on from here we arrived at the junction of Tansley Dale with Cressbrook Dale and a streamed crossing

Following the track right along the river we chose the lower path that meandered along the river bank. Here we found a suitable spot to eat lunch, assisted by many ducks that appeared to be very hungry for our packed lunches..

After a mile or so the surroundings changed to that of a forest track and we arrived at Cressbrook Mill (now converted into modern apartments)

Here we saw the old leat that once fed the water wheels, and a large mill pond. We took the path left to look at the weir, then followed the route right, past the limestone cliff. Here it was quite boggy, and would most likely be flooded and impassable if rains were heavy. Very pretty spot though.

Just after the lime stone cliffs, and beside the river Wye, we passed through the third dale of Water-cum-jolly and as the river narrows this became Millers Dale. The area here was really picturesque with steep grassy meadows falling to sheer cliffs to enclose the river and the path hugging the riverside

We arrived at Litton Mill (more converted mill apartments), and then Tideswell Dale, following a babbling brook back to Tideswell along easy paths and the start point.

The walk was just over 7 miles and took 3.5 hours. All in all a good varied walk without being strenuous, just a couple of short uphill sections. Despite the lack of high elevation and big views, the varied terrain and picturesque riverside sections made this a walk to be remembered and recommended. I would imagine summer weekends would be busy so perhaps try in the mid week.

OUR WALK SCORE 7/10

Once completed we drove to our accomodation in Bradwell, The Samuel Fox Inn.

http://www.samuelfox.co.uk/

Having stayed here before it is highly recommended, both for the comfort of the accomodation and the restaurant food. The Samuel Fox is a small inn located at the edge of the village adjacent the main road (so easy to find). It only has a small number of rooms (3), and all are tastefully decorated and very comfortable indeed. (Go for room no.1 with the bath) 
The restaurant food is of very high quality, the local house beer very good, and the breakfast is one of the best we have had - order the freshly baked croissants when you make your main order (as they take 15 mins to cook - fresh you see!).
Its not at the cheap end as you would imagine, but there is usually a deal of one night with 3 course evening meal and breakfast for £140/couple (which is not too bad with the 3 course meal included, and the quality of the food and service). In the winter months, we were on a deal of £99 for the above.

Location:Hope Valley,United Kingdom