Based on a walk from OS/AA Leisure Guide: Peak District.
Map: Sheet OL24 Peak District - White Peak area
Start: Tideswell Dale Car Park (off B6049 - SK155743)
The walk described in the book (in much more detail than these notes) starts at Monsal Head. We like to have a pub or cafe in the middle - found a car park near just less than a mile from the route, near the half way point.
Much of the walk follows the beautiful valley of the River Wye. Additional interest is provided by sites rich in industrial and railway archaelogy - if that isn't enough - there is a short sculpture trail near the Tideswell Dale car park!
From the car park follow the well-surfaced path down the gently sloping valley (it doesn't matter which branch you take when the path forks - though most of the sculptures are close to the left hand path). Continue down the valley until a minor road is met. Turn left and follow the road through the hamlet of Litton. On the left are a shop, cafe and rerraced cottages. On the right the derelict Litton Mill.
Follow the concessionary path through the Mill yard, then along the river bank. The path is subject to flooding - water was lapping at the edge of the path on the day we completed the walk! Cross the footbridge above the weir. Climb steps, and then a sloping path which joins the Monsal Trail (formerly a railway track). Continue along the trail until reaching Monsal Viaduct. Don't cross the viaduct, but follow the bridleway on the left, doen to the river. Cross the footbridge and follow the track around the rear of the cottages. Climb the steep path up to the Monsal Head Hotel.
After suitable refreshment at either the pub or the cafe, return down the path, but take the left fork, signposted for the viaduct. Cross the viaduct, and take the path on the left, following sign for Brushfield. Initially the track climbs, then follows the contours above the wooded slopes of Monsal Dale. The track passes Lower Farm, Brushfield.
At the junction of tracks turn right, passing the holiday cottages at Top Farm. The track continues above High Dale. Just before reaching a group of trees, take the wall stile on right. Walk through the field to another stile. Cross the stile to enter old lead mining "rake". Cross a fence stile. Descend through nature reserve. On reaching the railway track, do not cross the bridge, but climb down steps to track. Turn left and follow the track for about half a mile. Follow sign on right which points to Ravenstor. Cross the footbridge and turn right. Follow the minor road to where it meets the path from Tideswell Dale. Turn left up this path to re-trace your steps back to the car park.
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