The Derbyshire Dales
SK210642 From the 1 YHA in Youlgreave head south-west then take the road first left down to the River Bradford. Do not cross the clapper bridge but turn left to go through a gate and follow the river downstream to a second gate. Pass through and cross the bridge on the right and on to a minor road. Go right to a gate opposite and follow the footpath south-east to Bleakley Dike. Go up the steps on the eastern bank of the dike to continue south-east until you arrive at a wide farm track running south. Do not go through the gateway towards the farm but go north up the track and look for the stile in the hedgerow on the eastern side of the track.
SK218629 Go over 2 the stile and follow the footpath north-east through a gate into woodland. Continue along the woodland path to emerge on to a minor road. Go right, up the hill and take the footpath next left, note the stone circle on the left on private land, walk along the path heading south-east to Robin Hood’s Stride. Explore the gritstone outcrop and to the east the Hermit’s Cave. Continue in the same direction through a gate and down the track to a road.
SK228618 Go 3 straight across and ascend the Portway, a narrow lane. After passing a farm take the footpath on the right through the hedgerow, south-west across farm land to a sports pavilion, then keeping to the right of planted trees maintain the same course across fields into Elton passing between houses to arrive by the church. Go right along the main street until the road sweeps right.
SK218609 4
Take the public footpath to the right of the farm, crossing seven fields to meet a track. Go north down the track along the south-eastern slopes of Gratton Dale to the road at Dale End. Turn left, crossing the stream and take the next left into Gratton Dale.
SK211613 Follow the 5 path south-west up Gratton Dale – note the excellent lime kiln at the
beginning – to the foot of Long Dale.
SK201596 Go right, 6 heading north-west up Long Dale, passing the Sites of Meaning standing stones on your left. Continue up this dry
limestone valley until you reach the road.
SK174612 7 Go right, along the road for 650m and take the footpath on the right across Ringham Low to reach a track leading to Kenslow Farm.
SK182621 Turn 8 south-east from the track and ascend the hillside following the signs for the Millennium Wood on Kenslow Knoll. Visit the plaque in the centre of the four avenues, showing a panoramic view of the ancient Lows surrounding the Knoll, then retrace your steps to the track and turn right towards
Little Rookery Farm. Bear left where the track splits to follow the walled Whitfield Lane down to the road then go right into Middleton.
SK195632 Turn right 9 as you reach the village green, and follow the lane down to Bradford Dale.
SK199633 Where 10 the path forks go straight ahead across the stone sheep bridge, note the stone books on the wall, then bear left and follow the path downstream until you come to the clapper bridge across the River Bradford, met at the beginning of the walk.
SK208639 Go 11 across the bridge and then walk up the road to return into Youlgreave.