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LATHKILL & CALES DALES ~ DERBYSHIRE
Park at SK19410 64474. I suggest that you have a OS map with you. Cross the road and over the style into the field, to follow the footpath towards a farm in the distance (Calling Low). It is a nice flat beginning to the walks allowing you to ‘limber up’.
Once at the farm go through it and into the fields beyond. These fields slope downwards away from you. You have spectacular views of the countryside ahead. Keep following the footpath until you come to the entrance steps to Cales Dale, the descent is quite steep and could be tricky in bad weather, especially if you have the wrong footwear on.
Once at the bottom of the steps you can explore a bit, and, if you choose walk into Lathkill Dale. The route we followed takes you up the other side of the dale and across the fields to the beginning of Lathkill Dale.
Once in the Dale, you can meander along at your own pace. There are waterfalls and weirs, wildlife and other interesting things to look at. This is a really pleasant walk. As you proceed you pass ‘under’ Over Haddon, which you could of course visit for the craft centre, pub etc. Once back on track continue following the river along and you should be more open landscapes.
When you reach a bridge follow the road to pick up the trail again and now you are walking across fields until you come to Alport. Cross the road to pick up the river trail again the river is now on your left. Follow the path along until you cross the river yet again. You are now walking parallel to Youlgrave. Keep following the path along until you come to Middleton. Once in the village turn right to follow the road up to the Youlgrave road and follow the footpath back to the carpark.
This is a long walk and there are lots of opportunities to take shortcuts or route changes if you wish.
SEE THE LINKS PAGE FOR DETAILS TO OTHER WALKING WEB SITES AND RESOURCES, ESPECIALLY ‘THE WALKING ENGLISHMAN’