Monsal Dale Circular Walk
19th April 2015
We parked at Monsal Head Car Park and after paying the extortionate parking fee we headed to the front of the pub for the stunning view of the Monsal Viaduct.
We made our way down to the viaduct and crossed to the other side, here we passed through a gate to the left and made our way down to the bottom of the valley.
We followed the river side path and soon arrived at a weir.
The footpath is well trodden and clearly defined but looks like it gets very muddy if the weather is wet so good boots are advised.
We found a nice elevated position overlooking the river to sit and eat lunch, we saw a few fish jumping in the river.
We came across an ancient race and water wheel that hadn't been in use for many years.
As we approached the A6 road the valley widenend out.
An interesting style, not one we would like to cross after a period of rain, luckily today our feet remained dry.
With great care we crossed the A6 and headed up to White Lodge Car Park, from here we took the path to Deep Dale.
Another path that could have meant very wet feet.
Once across the stream and over a stile we started the steep ascent up to the Great Shacklow Wood.
As we reached the top we passed through a gate to the left to join the ledge path.
View from the ledge path in Great Shacklow Wood.
View looking down the very steep slope from the ledge path.
The path soon widened out as we descended down to the valley floor, wild garlic grows abundantly here.
We spotted a swan on the near by pool.
We continued along the path along the valley floor.
Look out for more swans and coots as you pass this pool.
Continuing along the woodland path we came across an abandoned mill.
Complete with two water wheels that had also seen better days.
We stopped for a few minutes to take in the views from the bridge.
We spotted several fish trout in the river, the water is very clear.
As we approached Ashford in the Water we passed by another race and a very overgrown bridge.
We crossed the A6 road and went over the ancient sheep wash bridge to Ashford in the Water.
We walked through the village and took a footpath from Vicarage Lane that would take us on to Pennyunk Lane.
We followed the lane for around half a mile enjoying the view that stretches for miles.
Soon the cart track narrows to a path
As we turned to head back to Monsal Head a couple of memorial benches give our tired feet a welcome break.
Monsal Dale appeared again as we descended back down to the car park
The Memory Map logged 6.42 miles with some steep ascents and descents.
