Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale Walk

A 12 mile Peak District walk starting from Youlgreave.

Start: SK 19259 64472
Map: Landranger 119, Explorer OL24
Difficulty: 14
Refreshments : Monyash, Alport, Bradford and Youlgreave

Youlgreave Location Map

Route Map

Lathkill Dale is part of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve, the limestone scenery in the middle section of the dale is particularly impressive. The first section of the dale is dry with gently rolling slopes on each side of the dale. The dale closes in just after Fern Dale and we enter the limestone gorge. The piles of rocks are spoil heaps from the quarries that once worked here. On the left the curve of the rock suggests fast flowing water has worn the rock away creating the dale we know today.

Further down on the right is Lathkill Head Cave. This is the source of the River Lathkill, although in dry summers the river surfaces nearer Cales Dale. Mining for lead took place in Lathkill Dale between the 13th and 19th centuries. Look out for Mandale Mine Engine House and the remains of an old aqueduct as you continue your walk along the dale.

At Lathkill Lodge an ancient clapper bridge crosses the river but our walk carries on to Conksbury. The River Lathkill tumbles over small weirs used to maintain the water level to encourage trout to breed. Between here and Alport the dale is gentle and tranquil not as dramatic as the earlier part of the dale but just as attractive.

Our walk joins the clear waters of the River Bradford at Alport. Rhienstor, the limestone crag popular with rock climbers is on the left. A little further along is a bench under a limestone crag, an ideal spot to sit and ponder before continuing the walk. Opposite an old packhorse bridge carries a footpath over the River Bradford and into the village.

Our walk continues to the old fording point at Mawstone Lane and then follows the river upstream. The river valley widens now with cattle and sheep grazing beside the water, little bridges span the clear waters. A path leads off to the right and into Youlgreave but our walk continues upstream along the river to Bradford Dams. The dams are a series of trout pools, which date from the 1890’s.

Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale Photo Gallery

Kissing gate on the Limestone Way near Bee Low WoodKissing gate on the Limestone Way near Bee Low Wood
Limestone Way near Bee Low Wood
Footpath on the edge of Bee Low WoodFootpath on the edge of Bee Low Wood
Bee Low Wood
Cale Dale joins Lathkill Dale looking from the slopes of Calling LowCale Dale joins Lathkill Dale looking from the slopes of Calling Low
Cale Dale from Calling Low
Cales Dale is short and narrow, in the distance is Lathkill Dale one of the finest limestone dalesCales Dale is short and narrow, in the distance is Lathkill Dale one of the finest limestone dales
Cales Dale
The Limestone Way near One Ash Grange FarmThe Limestone Way near One Ash Grange Farm
The Limestone Way, One Ash Grange Farm
Monyash village green is at the centre of the village, the two trees here were planted to celebrate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1910. The Old Smithy Tea Rooms are housed within a former Blacksmiths. The Smithy is very popular with walkers, rightly so as the food is excellentMonyash village green is at the centre of the village, the two trees here were planted to celebrate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in 1910. The Old Smithy Tea Rooms are housed within a former Blacksmiths. The Smithy is very popular with walkers, rightly so as the food is excellent
Monyash Village Green
Gently rolling slopes on the upper section of Lathkill DaleGently rolling slopes on the upper section of Lathkill Dale
Upper Lathkill Dale
Upper Lathkill DaleUpper Lathkill Dale
Upper Lathkill Dale
Limestone Gorge in Lathkill DaleLimestone Gorge in Lathkill Dale
Limestone Gorge, Lathkill Dale
Lathkill Head Cave. This is the source of the River Lathkill, although in dry summers the river surfaces nearer Cales DaleLathkill Head Cave. This is the source of the River Lathkill, although in dry summers the river surfaces nearer Cales Dale
Lathkill Head Cave
Close up of Lathkill Head CaveClose up of Lathkill Head Cave
Lathkill Head Cave
Looking up to the limestone escarpment in Lathkill DaleLooking up to the limestone escarpment in Lathkill Dale
Limestone Escarpment, Lathkill Dale
Lathkill Dale below Low WoodLathkill Dale below Low Wood
Lathkill Dale
Lathkill Dale. The river here is a popular for trout fishing, weirs have been built to create small poolsLathkill Dale. The river here is a popular for trout fishing, weirs have been built to create small pools
Trout Pools, Lathkill Dale
River Lathkill from Conksbury BridgeRiver Lathkill from Conksbury Bridge
River Lathkill, Conksbury
Packhorse Bridge Near Raper LodgePackhorse Bridge Near Raper Lodge
Packhorse Bridge Near Raper Lodge
A summerhouse on the banks of the River LathkillA summerhouse on the banks of the River Lathkill
Summerhouse, River Lathkill
River Lathkill at AlportRiver Lathkill at Alport
River Lathkill, Alport
Bradford Dale in AlportBradford Dale in Alport
Bradford Dale, Alport
Bradford Dale. In dry summers this part of the River Bradford can be dryBradford Dale. In dry summers this part of the River Bradford can be dry
Bradford Dale
Footbridge over the River Bradford in Bradford DaleFootbridge over the River Bradford in Bradford Dale
Footbridge in Bradford Dale
Youlgreave and the River BradfordYoulgreave and the River Bradford
Youlgreave and the River Bradford

Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale Walk Directions

The walk starts at a picnic area on Moor Lane and descends over fields through Calling Low Farm and into Cales Dale. Rising immediately out of the dale through One Ash Grange Farm and onto Monyash.

The Old Smithy Tea Room is here and is recommended, and next door the Bulls Head. The B5055 is then followed downhill to the start of Lathkill Dale. The walk stays on the north side of the dale until it reaches Conksbury where it changes to the south side until it reaches Alport.

Cross the road and go through a gate and follow the River Bradford through Bradford Dale passing beneath Rhienstor a limestone crag popular with rock climbers. Follow the dale to Bradford crossing the lane and continuing below Youlgreave on the opposite side of the river.

Follow the path beside the clear pools until a stone bridge is reached. Cross over the bridge ignoring a path to the left and follow a path that doubles back along the other side of the river and up into Youlgreave. Turn right along the road past The Farmyard Inn and turn left up Moor Lane back to the car park.

Copyright © Peter Cox. All rights reserved