Walk 21: Magical Chee Dale

Walk Details

About difficulty

• Easy: Mostly flat terrain, suitable for beginners and families.
• Moderate: Some hills and uneven ground, requires a basic level of fitness.
• Hard: Steep climbs, rough terrain, suitable for experienced walkers with good fitness.

Start Point

Free parking is available at Chee Dale Layby, Buxton SK17 9TF.

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Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Directions

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1. From Chee Dale Layby car park, head east with the stone wall to your left to join the footpath through the gated wall.
2. Descend down the footpath, which shortly joins another. Turn left and continue down, all the way to the Monsal Trail.
3. Cross the Monsal Trail and follow the track which descends down to the River Wye, passing Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire on your left.
4. Cross the River Wye and turn right onto the path.
5. Follow the path along the River Wye for nearly 2 miles, passing overhanging cliffs and stepping stones. The majority of the path runs parallel with the Monsal Trail and weaves under the Trail twice (look out for the impressive old railway bridges). 
6. The third time the path meets with the Monsal Trail, climb the steps to your left, leading up onto the Monsal Trail.
7. Turn left onto the Monsal Trail and follow the path all the way to Millers Dale – the perfect time for refreshments at the old railway station. Check out the amazing twin viaducts at Millers Dale; one being constructed in 1866 and the second 1905, along the London to Manchester railway line.
8. Continue along the Monsal Trail for 0.3 miles and turn second right (signed Priestcliffe) and join the path towards Millers Dale Quarry.
9. Follow the path uphill, with fields and views to your left and Millers Dale Quarry to your right as you reach the top. There is a bench here with a beautiful view!
10. Go through the gate and follow the path which bends right and ascends past Miller’s Dale Quarry.
11. Go over the stone wall stile to your left to reach open farmland.
12. Continue along the farm field path for just over half a mile, heading south towards Priestcliffe (you will pass over three brick stiles).
13. On meeting a farm, join the road through Priestcliffe. Head through the village and continue to follow the road.
14. At the next road junction, turn right and follow the road, crossing the B6049 into Blackwell.
15. After passing through Blackwell and Beech Croft Farm Campsite, leave the road as it bends left and take the track ahead.
16. Follow the track, which leads to a small artificial pond. Here the track turns to a path and bends right. Retrace your steps, ascending back up the steep path to Chee Dale Layby car park.

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Created: 21/07/20. Updated: 28/01/26