Latkill Dale ramble

Lathkill Dale – Sunday August 22nd – Leader Martin Adkin A varied, circular walk from the picturesque village of Yougrave. From the village we descend into Bradford Dale and follow the trout-rich waters of the River Bradford. Climbing out of the dale we gain height to reach the Limestone Way. The paths cross the upland limestone plateau, as we head towards Calling Low. There are wide-reaching views to the north, before we descend the steep-sided Cales Dale. Then we climb up a fascinating little gorge, to reach One Ash Grange Farm. Once again we enjoy expansive views for the next two miles, as we follow the Limestone Way to reach Monyash. This is our lunch stop. There is a lovely cafe and a pub, as well as a village green to sit, relax and maybe ponder the meaning of life. In the afternoon we walk down into Lathkill Dale, one of the most spectacular of the Peak District dales. The western end is narrow and rocky, soon opening out and levelling off as we descend, to enjoy the craggy limestone scenery and summer flowers. In about four miles we leave the dale floor, and ascend up to the village of Over Haddon. Here we’ll have our afternoon break, there is a cafe and a pub. Continuing on we leave the village and drop back down to the rejoin the lower section of Lathkill Dale. We cross Conksbury Bridge and following easy paths into Alport village. The final section of this lovely walk again follows the River Bradford, before we walk back up the village of Youlgrave. 6.30pm departure. Distance approximately twelve miles.