The Limestone Way
Experience the many varied limestone landscapes of the
Derbyshire Dales on this walk through patchwork fields and
past traditional villages from Castleton to Rocester. Dry valleys, patchwork fields and traditional villages can all be sampled as we head through the gentle scenery of the Peak District National Park.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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52 miles with 9 to 13 miles and up to 1,650ft of ascent in a day. |
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival day.
Day 2: Castleton to Taddington
Distance: 10 miles with 1640 feet of ascent
We commence our walk from Castleton, the boundary of the ‘Dark Peak' with gritstone edges and peat covered moors to the north and the ‘White Peak' limestone plateau to the south, the subject of our walk. Peveril Castle is behind us as we walk up Cave Dale, then we continue to Old Moor from where views of the western part of the Peak District can be appreciated. ‘Limestone Way Farm' is passed before descending to the National Nature Reserve of Hay Dale and Peter Dale. We eventually reach Millers Dale, spanned by one of the viaducts supporting Monsal Trail, the old London to Manchester railway line. Our final ascent is to the Waterloo Inn near Taddington.
Day 3:
Taddington to Youlgreave
Distance: 9 miles with 900 feet of ascent.
Today we pass through the villages of Flagg and Monyash; then continue to One Ash Grange, a large farm with monastic foundations, eighteenth century pig sties and an icehouse. Wide ranging views towards the eastern moors, Stanton Moor and Lathkilldale are to the north as we walk towards Youlgreave. A descent on an old lead miner's track eventually leads us to Bradford Dale, the haunt of dippers, mallard, grey wagtails and other water birds. Trout spotting is easy. There is time to visit the village and enjoy refreshments at the George Hotel opposite the church.
Day 4: Youlgreave to Grangemill
Distance: 10 miles with 1550 feet of ascent.
We leave Youlgreave to walk south to cross Harthill moor, site of the iron age hill fort of Castle Ring and Robin Hood's Stride, subject of many legends. A short detour takes us to the ‘Hermit's Cave' below Cratcliff Tor. We return to join ‘The Portway', an ancient trade route through the Peak District, and continue past the lead mining settlement of Winster. The rest of the day uses old miners' paths through squeeze stiles and across meadows to the hamlet of Ible, where water troughs known as the ‘Twelve Apostles' originally provided the water supply. A short, steep descent leads to Grangemill and the Holly Bush Inn.
Day 5: A free day to explore on your own or relax in the comfort of Newton House.
Day 6: Grangemill to Tissington
Distance: 10 miles with 1640 feet of ascent.
We start with a gradual ascent from Grangemill between limestone quarries and continue along field paths, crossing the High Peak Trail. Unusual rock formations in this area are of dolomitic limestone. The route progresses through the villages of Ballidon and Parwich; then we have a short walk across meadows to Tissington. There is plenty of time to explore the village famous for its ‘Well Dressings'. We walk back to Newton House along field paths and an old railway track called the Tissington Trail. A choice of refreshments today – the Sycamore Inn at Parwich at lunchtime,Tissington Coach House or New Inns Farm for afternoon tea.
Day 7: Tissington to Rocester
Distance: 13 miles with 975 feet of ascent.
From Newton House we return to Tissington. The route continues through Thorpe village where the Church can be visited and views of Dovedale appear to the north. The old road between Cheadle and Ashbourne is followed for a brief distance. Now we leave the Peak District National Park and enter the Dove Valley in Staffordshire. The way turns south, through fields, gradually losing height towards the village of Ellastone ; ‘Hayslope' in George Eliot's novel ‘Adam Bede'. A river side path and a short ascent takes us to Rocester, occupied continuously since 600 BC, and the end of the Limestone Way.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
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| Dates and prices |
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| The Limestone Way |
Fri 15 August 2008 |
7 |
£599 |
Premium single & twin room supplement: £5 per person, per night
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| Average temperatures |
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You'll be based in our fine Country House accommodation, Newton Housel, set in two acres of land in the Peak District National Park above Dovedale in the Derbyshire Dales.
Each day you and your party will be taken to the days starting point. No need
to repack your bags each day! |
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