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▶Lathkill Dale
Limestone valley with clear river, caves and ancient woodland through a designated nature reserve.
Loop, Out-and-back, Point-to-point (multiple options)
About
The River Lathkill emerges from a cave at the head of this limestone gorge, flowing past 13th-century lead mining ruins and rare Jacob's Ladder wildflowers.
Lathkill Dale is a stunning limestone valley in the heart of the Peak District National Park, situated approximately 3 miles southwest of Bakewell. The dale features a deep, steep-sided gorge carved by the crystal-clear River Lathkill, which emerges from Lathkill Head Cave. The valley is characterised by ancient woodland, limestone cliffs, dramatic rocky formations, and abundant wildlife including rare Jacob’s Ladder flowers in spring and summer. The dale has significant historical interest, with evidence of lead mining dating back to the 13th century, including visible ruins of engine houses, aqueducts and mineshafts marked as a Scheduled Monument. Multiple walking routes are available from different access points, offering a mix of riverside paths, open grassland, and wooded gorge sections.
Why go
- One of England's most beautiful limestone valleys with dramatic crags and woodlands.
- Crystal-clear River Lathkill with spectacular waterfalls and weirs, plus the mysterious Lathkill Head Cave.
- Rich history of lead mining from the 13th century with accessible ruins and Scheduled Monument status.
- Abundant wildlife and rare alpine flowers like Jacob's Ladder in spring and summer.
- Multiple easy to moderate circular walks available from Monyash and Over Haddon, suitable for various fitness levels.
Before you go
- Starts near Monyash, descends into dale, passes weirs and waterfalls including Tufa Dam Waterfall, returns via ridge path. Narrow rocky sections near river; can flood after heavy rain.
- Path muddy and rocky in winter; river sections may be impassable after heavy rain; Jacob's Ladder flowers peak in June
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
The route
Full route
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5Fantastic walk in the Dale with this one. Watch out for the ankle breakers over the slippy stones and tight foot holds after the easy bit at the start. Then its a steady stroll next to the flowing water. Use the 'All Trails' app to plot your route if you don't have a map. There's a route that takes you up the gorge and trek back on yourself on the high ground back to the start.
Absolutely beautiful. It's a great walk from Bakewell to here, such a picturesque trail. The river is so clear and stunning and it was quiet when we visited, would definitely recommend.
Tips
0Is Lathkill Dale free to visit?+
Yes, Lathkill Dale is free to visit with no entry charge.
Is Lathkill Dale dog friendly?+
Dogs can visit, but must be kept on a lead and out of the river. The valley is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest, and signs forbid dogs swimming in the water.
Is there parking at Lathkill Dale?+
Yes, parking is available to access the dale.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
Starts near Monyash, descends into dale, passes weirs and waterfalls including Tufa Dam Waterfall, returns via ridge path. Narrow rocky sections near river; can flood after heavy rain.
Starts from Over Haddon car park, descends into dale, follows river with weirs and limestone cliffs, includes section through Cales Dale. Some steep climbs exiting the valley.
Entirely flat, returns same route via riverside paths. Avoids all road walking. Well-maintained paths with minimal mud. Passes cave, waterfall, historic mining features and old mine shafts with ladder access.
Shortest main route from Over Haddon, includes The Blue Waters pool and Victorian weirs, steep sections. Family-friendly with stops at local pub (Lathkill Hotel).
Trail details
- Route typeLoop, Out-and-back, Point-to-point (multiple options)
- Terrainlimestone gorge, riverside, woodland, grassland, rocky crags
- Best seasonFebruary to October
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Path muddy and rocky in winter; river sections may be impassable after heavy rain; Jacob's Ladder flowers peak in June
Getting there
- ParkingOver Haddon car park (pay and display) or Monyash village (free roadside)
- Parking costOver Haddon £2 all day (coins or PayByPhone app); Monyash free
- PostcodeDE45 1HZ (Over Haddon) or DE45 1JH (Monyash)
Features
More information
Getting there
- ParkingOver Haddon car park (pay and display) or Monyash village (free roadside)
- Parking costOver Haddon £2 all day (coins or PayByPhone app); Monyash free
- PostcodeDE45 1HZ (Over Haddon) or DE45 1JH (Monyash)
Reviews
5Fantastic walk in the Dale with this one. Watch out for the ankle breakers over the slippy stones and tight foot holds after the easy bit at the start. Then its a steady stroll next to the flowing water. Use the 'All Trails' app to plot your route if you don't have a map. There's a route that takes you up the gorge and trek back on yourself on the high ground back to the start.
Absolutely beautiful. It's a great walk from Bakewell to here, such a picturesque trail. The river is so clear and stunning and it was quiet when we visited, would definitely recommend.
We just did a nice circular walk from the small car park. Straight through the field towards the gorgeous. A little rocky on the way in surrounded by high granite hills and beautifully bits of woodland. Cross the wooden bridge and make the uphill section which brings you out in a secluded farm (keep dogs on leads here) across a couple of fields back downhill towards car park. All very pretty and took about 1hr 15 minutes. Not suitable for those who may struggle on uneven ground or steps.
One of the finest limestone dales in the Peak District, with dramatic rocky crags, scree slopes, caves and the river Lathkill flowing for part of the dale's length after heavy rain. Lathkill Dale isn't the largest of the Derbyshire dales, but is certainly one of the most attractive. The lower part of the dale is wide and wooded, the river lined with trees on both sides, with traces of industrial heritage hidden amongst the foliage. Heading up the dale, it becomes narrower and more V shaped, with the river disappearing below ground, only emerging from the cave after heavy rain and during the winter months. The middle part of the dale is the most dramatic, with limestone crags towering above green slopes scattered with wildflowers in spring and summer. Here, Cales Dale leads off to the side. Beyond this point, the dale sides close in and the path becomes more of a scramble, before the ground eventually starts to level out at the upper end of the dale where the landscape is much softer. There's affordable paid parking and toilet facilities a few minutes walk from the lower end of the dale, and roadside parking near the upper end. Between the time of my last visit in 2016 and more recent visit in 2025, many of the ash trees in the area had sadly succumbed to dieback disease, changing the lush green character of the lower part of the dale somewhat. It was also disappointing to see the bridge crossing over to the ruins had been closed, preventing access to an interesting part of the dale's history. It would be good to see this reopened in the future.
Such a beautiful place. With stunning scenery and wonderfull waterfalls. Some of the terrain is a little awkward.but there are many different paths you can take. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Also some decent footwear
Tips
0Questions
7Is Lathkill Dale free to visit?+
Yes, Lathkill Dale is free to visit with no entry charge.
Is Lathkill Dale dog friendly?+
Dogs can visit, but must be kept on a lead and out of the river. The valley is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest, and signs forbid dogs swimming in the water.
Is there parking at Lathkill Dale?+
Yes, parking is available to access the dale.
Are there toilets at Lathkill Dale?+
Not confirmed, there's no source for on-site toilets at Lathkill Dale itself, so it's worth checking ahead or using facilities in nearby Over Haddon or Youlgreave.
Where is Lathkill Dale located?+
Lathkill Dale is in the Peak District National Park, roughly 3 miles southwest of Bakewell in the White Peak area.
What can I see and do at Lathkill Dale?+
The dale features a crystal-clear river, caves, ancient woodland, limestone cliffs, and wildlife including rare Jacob's Ladder flowers. You can also explore the ruins of historic lead mining structures, such as engine houses and aqueducts, which are designated as a Scheduled Monument.
Are the walking routes waymarked?+
Yes, waymarked routes are available, with multiple access points offering a mix of riverside paths, open grassland, and wooded gorge sections.