Miller’s Dale walk

The last time the club did this walk was 20th February, 2020. We were in the eye of Storm Dennis, with gale force winds and lashing rain. The hardy, or fool-hardy group of eleven left Monsal Head. Standing up was difficult, let alone moving forward in a straight line. At one point Stan was pinned to a barbed-wire fence, unable to move. No one helped him. Let’s hope for more clement conditions on Sunday.

The 13 mile walk includes many beautiful dales with great views. There will be an easier shorter walk, if someone can be found to lead one on the easy to follow paths. The walks starts from Monsal Head with dramatic views down the Wye Valley. We follow the path along the tops and drop down into Hay Dale and follow a minor road before turning off to head up towards Wardlow Hay Cop. A lovely open nature reserve with extensive views. We then descend down into Cressbrook Dale, cross the stream and head up Tansley Dale, to the village of Litton. This is the lunch stop. There is a choice of cafe or pub or just sit and have a pic-nic break, on the village green.

The more energetic members may wish to climb up Peter’s Stone as an extra in the morning, for an exhilarating view point. After lunch we head south over fields, following the path above Cressbrook Dale to reach the delightful village of Cressbrook. From here, we drop down into the beautiful water-cum-jolly, part of Miller’s Dale. We then make our way to Monsal Dale. The final section will lead us into Ashford-in-the-Water for a 6 pm finish. There may be time for a quick visit to one of the pubs before we leave.