Miller’s Dale
via Monsal Trail, Topley Pike, Chelmorton and Priestcliffe by Francis Aynsley-Smith Walk description: A circular walk that starts at Miller’s Dale Station, and follows the popular and flat Monsal Trail, a disused railway line, until just beyond Blackwell Mill Bike Hire. The route then continues to the Wyedale Car Park, from where it crosses the A6 to ascend a steep winding path to the side of Topley Pike quarry. Farm tracks then lead to the village of Chelmorton and from there to the small settlement of Priestcliffe. A series of stiles across fields lead to Miller’s Dale Nature Reserve and back to Miller’s Dale. Distance: 9 miles, 14.5kms. Walking time: 3 to 4.5 hours. Map: OS Explorer OL24, West Sheet. Start/Parking: Pay and Display at Miller’s Dale Car Park/Station, where there is a cafe (check Winter opening hours) and toilets. T. 01298 871869. (Grid Reference SK138733, Postcode SK17 8SN). Refreshments: Miller’s Dale Station (see above), Church Inn, Chelmorton (T. 01298 85319) and the Waterloo Inn on the A6. From the car park turn westwards along the Monsal Trail towards Wyedale for around 3 miles, passing through the Chee Tor Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel No. 2 and the Rasher Cutting Tunnel. After these tunnels there is a viaduct on the right and the view then opens up on the right to show Blackwell Mill Cycle
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Hire and Tuck Shop (T. 01298 70838, closed in the winter), with a terrace of white cottages on the opposite bank of the river. After a further 200 metres the Monsal Trail comes to an end. Follow a footpath on the left and a flight of steps going down to the River Wye below. At the river turn left and follow the broad track to Wyevale Car Park. From the car park cross the busy A6 with care. The gate to Topley Pike Quarry is directly in front. Take the public footpath to the left of the gate, leading gently uphill between fences for about 300 metres. On the right there is a gate signposted to Deepdale, and an information board. Go through the gate and begin the steep climb up a twisting path to the top of the hill, with the quarry over to the right. Near the top, look to the left to find the stile across the wall. Go over the stile into a field, and head half right for 200 metres. Aim for the next stile that leads into a grassy lane. Turn left and continue southwards. The grassy lane merges with a farm track called Caxter Way Lane on the OS map. After 200 metres take the farm track that goes off to the right; it is way-marked. The lane curves to the left and comes to a metal gate. Go straight on past the gate into another grassy lane with stone walls on either side. This is easy walking with fine views. Continue for 1km until you arrive at the A5270. Cross the road, and the grassy lane continues for 300 metres to a gate in front signed “Private Land”. The path turns left here. After 75 metres there is a
