Milldale

Map with thanks to Ordnance Survey.

Walk

1 From the car park, walk down the road into Milldale village. Turn right at the sharp bend in the road following the path past the toilet block and over the picturesque stone bridge over the River Dove.

2 Sheep often graze beyond the gate, so pass with care keeping your dog on its lead. Follow the well-made gravel path as it traces the river through to Dove Dale. There are limestone outcrops on your left and wild flowers during the summer months. Passing through a gate next to a weir enters you into the wooded section of the path. Keep following the path through another gate at the end of the woodland. The bank to your left opens up into a sloped grassy bank. Trees line both sides of the river.

As you walk you will notice exposed limestone outcrops on both sides of the dale before passing into the shade of trees once more. Go through another gate following the river. You will come to a path on your left before some shallow caves in the limestone rock face. The walk ascends briefly here, so take care in wet weather as the exposed rock can be a little slippery. Almost immediately the path descends back to its original level.

Pass through another gate before coming to an incredible limestone outcrop with a footbridge over the river to your left. Do not cross the bridge, but rather continue to the limestone outcrop on your left.

3 You have reached the furthest point on this walk; continue exploring if you wish, or simply turn around and retrace your steps.