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 to arrive at the site of Litton Mill – a reminder of the 19th century textile industry.

Higher pasture land leads to attractive upland villages, in which you may find a village green complete with stocks, a bull ring or a medieval cross!

Then the route climbs Hucklow Edge into a remote and unspoilt moorland area before descending to Eyam – whose inhabitants isolated themselves when bubonic plague arrived in 1665.

The walk proceeds to the river Derwent. Here, 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 medieval 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 slightly more demanding route on the Limestone Way.

Flexibility:

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

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 most destinations 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, as could Chatsworth.

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