Recommended map: The Peak District White Peak Area 1:25000, Outdoor Leisure 24

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This is one of the classic circuits in the White Peak, about 16km (10 miles).

Park at Monyash (SK149666) and follow the Bakewell road for about 500m to where it crosses Lathkill dale (possible parking). Turn right and follow this delightful dale for about 6.5km (4 miles) to where a small road crosses the valley over a bridge. This is about a mile past the little road that comes down from Over Haddon and ends in a ford. On the way look out for old mine workings, Lathkill Head cave which in wet weather is the source of the river Lathkill, Dippers in the crystal clear water and Bateman's cottage, a recently restored ruin which was the site of an old mine with some very innovative pumping mechanisms. Do not attempt to explore the cave unless experienced in caving and with the right equipment. Much of the valley is a nature reserve. At the road at Conksbury Bridge turn right, over the bridge and follow it out of the valley and after a few hundred meters turn left to Youlgrave (1km) where the George Inn can be recommended for food and drink.

At the church, turn right along the narrow road through the village and at an old water tank turn right again and follow Moor Lane, a small road which after about 1.5km joins another road Back Lane at a PAD car park. Cross the road, pass through a stile and follow the well trodden Limestone Way past Calling Low farm, then eventually steeply down steps into Cales Dale. At the bottom of Cales dale follow the path right a little way , then double back left and climb through an unlikely gap in the small line of cliffs to reach One Ash Grange (various tracks here). Continuing right down Cales Dale would bring you back to Lathkill Dale. Pass through the farm following the broad track, don't turn left on the concessionary path but continue to where the farm track swings right into a field. Here, follow the left wall on a grassy path over the crest of the hill, cross a stile on the left and continue in the same general direction through a gate, across Fern dale, through more stiles and into a lane which leads back to Monyash. Recommended tea shop and pub in village. Picture, Monyash from the lane on the Limestone Way. Allow 3.5 hours walking time.

Delectable variation 1. From the George Inn, cross the road and walk down a steep lane at the side of the church into Bradford Dale. Turn right and walk upstream past a series of beautiful small dams for about 1km to an inscribed footbridge. Cross this (right) and zigzag up the hill through the woods to meet the Middleton road. Turn right for some 200m to footpath on the left, follow this, crossing another minor road and then follow the signposted Limestone way across the fields to the PAD carpark on Back Lane. Add 40 minutes. See main route.

Delectable variation 2. This unfortunately misses out Youlgrave but it does make for a grand day out. Cross the river at Conksbury Bridge as in the main description but after some 100m take the footpath on the left which continues to follow the Lathkill river valley. After about 1km the path joins the main road at Alport. Cross the road and join a well defined track opposite which follows the River Bradford. Pass Rhienstor Rock on the left and eventually reach a group of houses. Continue following the river upstream to join variation 1. Add 1 hour to full circuit.

Particular interest: Monyash village, Lathkill Head cave, Lathkill Dale, Bateman's Cottage, Youlgrave, Bradford Dale, Cales Dale.