Sunday 8th October 2006

Lathkill Dale can be approached from several places so today we headed out to the start of the dale near Monyash where the limestone dominates the scenery and walked the full length of the dale. As it was a warm day we were able to walk in short sleeves, something that we won't be doing for much longer. We passed plenty of people making the most of the fine weather, some going for picnics by the river and several young groups that looked like they were out on Duke of Edinburgh trips.

Anyone considering doing this walk needs to be aware that the path through Palmerston Wood, in Lathkill Dale, is closed on Wednesdays between October 1st and January 31st.

Start: Moor Lane car park (SK 1941 6447)

Route: Moor Lane car park - Limestone Way - Monyash - Bagshaw Dale - Lathkill Dale - Alport
            - Bradford Dale - Limestone Way - Moor Lane car park                 

Distance: 11.5 miles    Ascent: 484 metres     Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes   

Weather: High cloud with occasional blue sky.

Pub visited: Farmyard Inn, Youlgreave        Ale Drunk: Greene King IPA

Looking across the dales from Calling Low farm to One Ash Grange farm.

An early view of the limestone in Lathkill Dale, from the top of the steps down to Cales Dale.

Approaching Monyash on the Limestone Way.

Ricklow Quarry at the entrance to Lathkill Dale.

Ricklow Quarry.

The head of Lathkill Dale.

Looking back to the head of Lathkill Dale. A brief glimpse of sun and blue sky helped light up the limestone.

The start of the river Lathkill.

Waterfalls on the river Lathkill.

Further down the dale the river has disappeared, a cause of some concern to environmentalists.
 Here the remains of an old bridge across the river is almost hidden by the plants.

The river Lathkill reappears once we are past Over Haddon.

Weirs on the river Lathkill.

Bradford Dale.

Bradford Dale.

The water is so clear here that it was possible to get this photo of a fish. 
Well actually my husband took this one!!!

Looking across Bradford Dale with Stanton Moor on the horizon. The camera was back in my hands now.