Strenuous Leader: Malcolm Distance: 12 miles – 1800ft climb
We head south through Tideswell Dale, crossing the river Wye at Litton Mill. We then climb up the other side of the valley – this is the only steep ascent of this walk – before stopping for lunch in High Dale.
From here we head east through Brushfield and drop down into Monsal Dale – this is a steep descent and may be slippery so you may need your walking poles. After following the river, we cross the bridge and climb to Monsal Head, crossing the viaduct and joining Monsal Trail.
From here there’s a pleasant climb through Cressbrook Dale and back into Tideswell via Litton Edge. This walk has varied scenery and some great views – expect to encounter a few cows and some mud.
Moderate Leader: Pamela Distance: 8 miles – 1200ft climb
Please note that everyday trainers and leisure footwear are not suitable on this walk. If you have a walking pole it may be a good idea to bring along as some of the paths in the wet may be tricky.
We will leave the village and head out on our walk today and take paths and bridleways through Tideswell Dale to Litton Mill. We will pick up the Monsal Trail briefly before climbing up to Bull Tor, we will turn to paths to Priestcliffe Lees and the nature reserve. We will make a tea/coffee and cake stop at Millers Dale before heading back for the last 2.5 miles back to Tideswell.
A couple of stiles and expect some fields of livestock. Some dogs walked by tourists.
Easy Leader: Laura Distance: 5 miles – total ascent 608 feet
NB: Everyday trainers and leisure shoes are not suitable for this walk as there is a lot of limestone on route, which can be slippery when wet.
We head towards Tideswell Dale, hopefully have lunch at the picnic area (with WC). We carry onto Ravenstor then pick a route upstream, along the river. We cross the footbridge over the river and join the “Monsal Trail” via a woodland stair case (the Trail is a disused rail track, quite flat).
We take paths downhill to the footbridge back over the river leading to Anglers Rest Public House. We follow a quiet road briefly and bridleway uphill heading towards Miller’s Dale. We continue gently upwards over pastures of sheep and are rewarded with spectacular views all around.
We commence our downhill approach to the outskirts of Tideswell.
Terrain – stony paths, woodland pathways with tree roots, wide bridleways, but no mud. Most of the farm fields are bounded by stone walls. Please we aware of cyclists along the “Monsal Trail”, there are more rental bikers than walkers!
Footbridges- 5, plus 4 very solid, cemented wall stiles. Livestock-expect to walk through sheep. There are plenty of herds of young cattle, but in the other fields along the route. The occasional dog walker, with well behaved dog on the lead.
NOTES ON THE AREA
Tideswell village is situated half a mile from the busy A623 Chapel-en-le-Frith to Baslow road, located at the top of Tideswell Dale. Its name is thought to originate from a well that ebbed and flowed in the area. The long main street of the village winds down into the dale with many lanes running up the valley side, often ending at old lead mining workings on the plateau above. Tideswell was granted a market charter in 1250 but is neither a village nor a market town.
The village today is famous for its annual Well-Dressing which starts on the Saturday nearest 24th June. This is linked to Wakes Week which begins with crowning the Carnival Queen and processions through decorated streets, ending with Morris Dancing and a torch light procession.
St John the Baptist Parish Church was built between 1300 and 1390. This splendid cruciform building is often referred to as “The Cathedral of the Peak” due to is sheer size and beauty. The whole church is 14th century, decorated throughout except for the tower and west window. The church is so interesting that time must be found to visit this fine structure.
To the east of Tideswell is the little village of Litton, a pretty gathering of 18th century cottages beside a green with a set of stocks close to the Red Lion Pub. Tideswell Dale and Cressbrook Dale run south, from west and east of the village, beautiful in their own right and giving access to dramatic Millers Dale.
The Monsal Trail was part of the former Midland Railway Line cutting through the central limestone plateau of the Peak District following the deep valley of the River Wye. The trail runs for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill Junction near Buxton, and Coombs Viaduct, one mile south east of Bakewell. The most famous feature of the trail is Monsal Head Viaduct which takes the former railway line over the Upper Wye Valley.
Litton Mill was founded in 1782 using the water of the River Wye to drive the mill’s water wheels for the spinning of cotton. The mill became notorious for the harsh treatment of children who worked there. Many children were “imported” from London and other large cities as child labourers by its owner Ellis Needham. From their appalling treatment many children died young and were buried in the churchyards of Taddington and Tideswell close by. The mill’s history could not be guessed at these days, having been converted into desirable residences!
Cressbrook Mill, built by Sir Richard Arkwright, and also now converted into posh apartments, also employed child labour but was said to have treated them well. The children worked six days a week and actually had a few hours off on a Sunday! The rooftop bell tower would have pealed to beckon the apprentices who lived next door to the works.