Miller's Dale Valley from Tideswell

We drive to Tideswell Dale Car Park to do most of Walk 6 and a little of Walk 7 from our Monsal Trail booklet; the circular covers Tideswell Dale, Litton Mill, along Miller's Dale valley to Cressbrook Mill, along the heights on the other side to descend to the Monsal Trail, on to Miller's Dale Village, and back to Tideswell Dale.

We walk down the attractive Tideswell Dale to pass through Litton Mill - formerly a textile mill, but now living spaces - to follow the Miller's Dale valley along the River Wye; there are lovely views of the limestone cliffs on the other side of the river. We reach Cressbrook Mill, another former textile mill situated at Water-cum-Jolly Dale, now a small village. We cross the river here and walk towards the Monsal Trail, but don't take this as our route is via high-level footpath; there are fine views of Cressbrook House, a historic Grade II listed country house on the Grand Tudor style.

We eventually descend to the Monsal Trail and follow the former railway route, the Walk 7 part, as far as a turnoff for Miller's Dale village. From here, it's up to Meadow Farm and back to the car park; a good 7.2-mile walk.

In the evening, we visit the Thornbridge Brewery tap room for pizza and beers; a great way to end the day!Read more