Above: Once walked by medieval monks, Monk’s Dale has a wonderfully quiet and meditative atmosphere.
This five-and-a-half mile walk starts from Miller’s Dale Station and heads west towards the Buxton end of the Monsal Trail before turning to reach the village of Wormhill where history records that the last wolf in England was killed in the 15th century.
From here it’s a picturesque stroll across open fields and ancient tracks towards the start of Monk’s Dale – a magical spot which was once home to an order of Benedictine monks from around the 13th century. (Earlier in the year I tried to find the remains of the monks’ grange: click for details.)
Above: Click the map to open in a new window.
Monk’s Dale can be quite challenging to walk through, especially when the limestone rocks which cover the valley floor are damp and slippery – which they are most of the time. But it’s worth it to experience the sounds and sights of a landscape which seems to transport you back in time.
An information board by the entrance recommends visiting in April and May “…when the woods come alive with birdsong and plants”. Adding that “…the grasslands are at their best in May and June when carpets of early-purple orchids and common rock-rose welcome the visitor”.
Tranquil soundscape
I first recorded the walk back in February when the sounds of babbling water from a stream running through the dale added to the bird song to create a wonderfully tranquil soundscape. (The stream runs underground during spring and summer.)
This is the magic of this wonderful dale – it has its own unique quality at all seasons of the year. A landscape to enjoy at a slower pace – and definitely not somewhere to rush through.
Click below for full step-by-step instructions and photos.
A ‘Relive’ version of the walk. Click to play and use the expand option to view in full-screen. Click here for more Monsal Trail ‘Relives’.