Walks Nearby the Cottage

Short Circles

Bradford Dale runs parallel to the village from Alport to Middleton but from within the village it provides an hour’s circular walk from the cottage.  Dropping into the dale either via Bradford or Holywell Lane and journeying upstream takes you past the historic dams and former ruins and gently climbs into the neighbouring village of Middleton by Youlgrave. From the square a footpath runs along the side of the road back to Youlgrave giving views across the dale.

Haddon Hall also provides an easy walk along Coalpit Lane and once you’ve cross the bridge by the old fish ponds and climbed out of the lower stretch of Lathkill Dale then it’s a gentle downhill to the Hall. For a circular walk we sometimes venture to a point where the Hall can be seen and then take a right down the edge of Shining Bank Quarry and back along the roadside into Alport where if time we cross the Lathkill and turn left along the old Coach Road that runs beside the Bradford and then climb into the village from one of the 4 routes up.

For a longer walk with lunch stop you can try a circle up Bradford Dale following the Limestone Way and crossing fields near Lomberdale Hall and on until you drop into Lathkill Dale and aim for Over Haddon. the steep climb into the village and stroll to the eastern end is rewarded by refreshments at the Lathkil Hotel – a striking white building overlooking Lathkill and back to Youlgrave.

Misty Youlgrave from Over Haddon across Lathkill Dale

Moor Lane Over Youlgrave

Monyash via Lathkill Dale is the classic 12 mile walk described in many books. It covers valleys and tops and has stops at pubs or teashops. If 12 miles seems a lot then it can be split into many smaller sections.

Robin Hood’s Stride, Hermits Cave & Stanton Moor direct from Cottage

Another long walk which is more often split into sections taking in part of the Limestone Way on its route. The Red Lion in Birchover is another good pub with excellent food.

Arbor Low: the Stonehenge of the North

Various routes can be taken to this large circular earthwork with its fallen ring of stones. The most direct being to follow Moor Lane to the car park and then along Long Rake (3.5 miles).

A Guide Book with 10 walks of varying lengths starting in Youlgrave is obtainable from Woodturning at Christmas Cottage or the village Post Office. Local OS Maps and other guides are available in April Cottage to borrow including one explaining the geology of the routes.

Dovedale, bus or car to Hartington

Another classic walk. On Sunday morning a bus stops outside April Cottage for Hartington. It returns in the late afternoon.

Curbar & Froggatt Edges, car to Curbar Gap

Easy walking with the chance to watch the climbers doing it the hard way. 8 miles by car.

Limestone Way passes through Youlgrave on its 46 mile trek.

Ranger Guided Walks take place throughout the year all over the Peak District. Call the 24 Hour walks information line on 01629 81632701629 816327 for further details.

PEAK DISTRICT WALKING FESTIVAL: see www.visitpeakdistrict.co.uk for more details.