Cheedale (approx 6 miles)

	Leave the car park by the bridleway at the far end.
	This is the first of two railway viaducts that you pass under. This one is still used by mineral trains from Tunstead Quarry (dubbed Britain's first superquarry).
	On the right hand side of the track, just before passing under the third viaduct, there are steps up to Monsal Trail. Either climb the steps or follow the alternative routes signposted for cyclists. Follow the trail in the Bakewell direction.
	The Monsal Trail follows the route of the Midland Railway, which opened in 1863. Trains ran until 1968. For 12 years it remained unused, until taken over by the Peak District National Park. However, most of the tunnels remained closed until 2011.
	The first tunnel, Rusher Cutting, is short...
	... as is Chee Tor No 2 Tunnel.
	Between the two Chee Tor Tunnels the trail crosses a viaduct over the River Wye - and also the footpath by which we return. When you see walkers below, it is reassuring that the lower footpath is not closed due to flooding
	Chee Tor No1 Tunnel is the longest of the three tunnels we pass through - but since its reopening, is well lit and well surfaced.
	Almost immediately after leaving the tunnel, the trail crosses the river again. In the past we have come across abseilers descending from this viaduct - but there were none on this day.
	On the left you pass disused like kilns. The nearby information board not only details how these were used, but gives information about how this structure now provides nesting for swifts and a place for bats to hibernate
	It is possible to take a closer look at the structure, both by investigating the interior...
	...and taking a path on the left that climbs up to the top.
	Millers Dale Station was once the largest on the Midland Railway - now it houses picnic benches and public toilets. There is also a large car park, which could be used as an alternative starting point for the walk. Leave the station following the Bakewell signs.
	After passing more lime kilns (this time on the right), look out for the footpath sign shown above. Turn left and walk down the steep path to...
	...come to the river and cross the footbridge.
	On meeting the road, turn right for refreshment at the Anglers Rest or turn left to continue with the walk
	Look out for the remains of waterwheel on left - the nearby information board details the history of the mill at this site - there was a mill recorded here in the Domesday Book. After passing the site of the mill, continue along the road and under the railway viaducts.
	Turn right along the minor road signposted for Wormhill. Almost immediately on the left you pass the nature reserve gate. Follow the path between gate and signpost, then through the gap in the wall on the left (don't climb the steps ... they lead back to Millers Dale Station).
	The path leads alongside the river, and is quite well surfaced until...
	...you reach a junction of paths and the sign pictured, which reads: Cheedale Difficult footpath & likely to flood in wet weather. Alternative routes via Blackwell or Wormhill. Continue straight ahead to walk along the short stretch of boardwalk. (If the route through Cheedale is not passable, we would recommend following the path to Wormhill, then through Hassop Farm. Join the Pennine Bridleway and then rejoin this route near Blackwell Mill Cottages.)
	The path through this part of the valley is narrow, usually muddy and slippery.
	Where streams enter the valley from the right, first cross the plank bridge shown, and then turn left to cross a second footbridge.
	The footpath continues alongside the narrowing gorge...
	...until the river takes up the whole width. The stepping stones allow you to continue to where the gorge widens again.
	As you cross a footbridge, you can look up to the trail, where it passes over a viaduct between tunnels. The path continues on the left bank for a short distance, before you cross another wooden footbridge, back on to the right bank. There is another section with stepping stones – take care not to catch your head on the overhanging cliff as you walk along the last few stones. You pass under two more viaducts and the path widens as you approach...
	...Blackwell Mill Cottages. Here you turn left to cross...
	...the footbridge. The cabin ahead houses cycle hire and a shop where tea, coffee and other refreshments can be bought. Take the righthand fork, which passes under the railway and retrace your steps back to the car park.

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