Three Rivers Walk - Pudding and Plague

From Monyash, the steep cleft of Deep Dale takes the walker north to the River Wye and the panoramic ‘surprise view’ at Monsal Head. The walk continues through Millers Dale, rich in wild flowers and butterflies, to arrive at the site of Litton Mill – a reminder of the 19th century textile industry.

Higher pasture land leads to attractive upland villages, the ‘haunted’ Peter’s Stone, a village green complete with stocks, a couple of public houses, a bull ring and a mediaeval cross!

The route climbs Hucklow Edge (frequented by gliding enthusiasts) into a remote and unspoilt moorland area before descending to Eyam – whose inhabitants suffered a terrible loss of life when bubonic plague arrived in 1665. Their sacrifice, in isolating themselves from surrounding villages to prevent the spread of disease, is marked in August each year with an open air church service

Two relics of the tragedy (Lydgate Graves and the boulder stone) are passed as the walk proceeds to the river Derwent. A pleasant low level path following the river may be taken or a high level route with superb views across the valley. Either choice leads to the parkland setting of Chatsworth House (home of the Duke of Devonshire – and open to the public). Close by is Edensor, a mid 19th century ‘model’ estate village, which the walk visits at the start of the over hill path to Bakewell.

Bakewell, an important market town, west of Chatsworth, is entered by a 17th Century packhorse bridge. The famous Pudding Shop could provide a lunch (or a picnic!).

A gentle walk above the river Wye leads steeply down into Lathkill dale – a combination of limestone valley, tumbling water and rare orchids. The return to Monyash is either along the dale or by a rather more demanding route on the Limestone Way.

A note on flexibility:

The walk has been designed to satisfy different walking ‘appetites’ – strollers and striders! – by incorporating ‘distance/time flexibility’.

At its simplest, the walk is four days of up to 10 miles – or, very roughly, five hours walking a day and can be started at any point.

At Monyash, Litton and Bakewell there are circular walks (directions provided) which could extend the day’s walk by 5/6miles.
If you decide to stay any extra nights, a circular walk could take up part of the second day leaving time for sightseeing or just relaxing.

An exploration of Eyam and its history and a leisurely pub/tea room lunch could easily occupy a whole day.

The choice is yours and we are always happy to provide information.