Bakewell & Dovedale: (OS Short Walks Made Easy)

Set in the beautiful countryside of the White Peak, the ten delightful routes in this guide are all located in the south-east corner of the Peak District, clustered within easy reach of Bakewell, Matlock and Ashbourne. All but three of them are well served by local buses, so you can leave the car behind in this popular area of the national park. The walks offer something for everyone, from the superb dale views at Monsal Head and a gentle exploration of idyllic Dovedale, to the glorious parkland at England’s grandest stately home, Chatsworth, and discovering much humbler quarrying and lime-making heritage on the accessible High Peak Trail. Easy-going, accessible paths are also followed on sections of the Monsal Trail, along the colourful towpath of the Cromford Canal, and on the Tissington Trail. The most energetic walk climbs Sugarloaf and runs on through Wetton Hill Dale, with the promise of delicious refreshment at the Mill Tea Rooms. The more daring might tackle the challenge of the stepping stones in Dovedale, while the fascinating history of the plague and the custom of well dressing are revealed on the outing from Eyam. Speaking of traditions, do enjoy a slice of Bakewell Pudding at the end of Walk 4, relaxing near the ancient bridge over the River Wye.

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Eyam and Stoney Middleton The attractive village of Eyam (pronounced ‘Eem’) is well known for its role during the plague outbreak in the 17th century and the brave sacrifice made by its villagers. This fascinating walk passes through the heart of the village, with information boards providing insightful history. Stoney Middleton, with its unique round church and bathhouse, is explored before returning to Eyam past the famous boundary stone. Do make time to visit Eyam’s interesting museum (eyam- museum.org.uk). Attractive villages; plague history; a round church and bath house   Monsal Head and Little Longstone The view from Monsal Head over the viaduct and down into the valley is one of the best-known viewpoints in the Peak District National Park, and arguably the most photographed. This walk takes you down into the dale and along the delightful River Wye. The view from the viaduct is nearly as good as the one from the head of the dale, and there’s also the excitement of walking through the longest tunnel on the Monsal Trail. Superb dale viewpoint; delightful River Wye; easy-going Monsal Trail   Baslow, Chatsworth and Edensor The mightily impressive Chatsworth House, family seat of the Dukes of Devonshire, has dominated Chatsworth Park for nearly 500 years. Although there’s a charge for entry to the house and gardens, permissive paths give free access to the extensive parkland. This easy out-and-back walk passes through one of England’s grandest estates to the postcard-perfect village of Edensor. Although the walking is straightforward, the views are exceptional. The walk starts and finishes in the charming Peak District village of Baslow. Glorious deer parkland; pretty estate village; grand Chatsworth views   Bakewell Known to the Romans for its thermal springs, Bakewell grew from a 10th- century ‘burh’ (a military fort). It is now the only town within the Peak District National Park boundary. The River Wye is particularly scenic as it flows under Bakewell Bridge, and the tangle of narrow backstreets provides plenty of courtyard shopping and café delights. This walk heads out of Bakewell on a quiet lane, returning along the Monsal Trail and back over Bakewell Bridge. Scenic river,  ancient bridge, Monsal Trail and Bakewell Pudding   Cromford Canal This accessible walk explores the historic and beautiful Cromford Canal, which is part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley World Heritage Site. This is a popular location: walkers need to be aware that children and dogs must be kept under close control and should not enter the water. This walk crosses an aqueduct high above the River Derwent. The area has many connections with Florence Nightingale and her family – her great-uncle Peter was a notable landowner at Lea Bridge. Nice towpath; aqueduct crossing; canal, railway and mill heritage   Minninglow and the High Peak Trail The former Cromford and High Peak Railway linked the canals at Cromford and Peak Forest between 1831 and 1967. Now it provides easy walking for all through the scenic high limestone plateau of the White Peak. There are embankments and cuttings, quarries and limekilns, then a slightly hillier section before the route returns on easy-going tracks and lanes near land once owned by monasteries. Take extra care of children/dogs on the embankments. Great views; easy-going trail; quarrying and lime-making heritage   Hartington and Beresford Dale Since Victorian times, people have visited the dramatic steep-sided limestone dales of the Peak District to gaze in wonder at the cliffs. This walk follows the sparkling waters of the River Dove through the stunning gorge of Beresford Dale. Leaving the tranquil shelter of the trees, the walk climbs steeply out of the dale to return to Hartington. Look out for magnificent views back over the dale as you follow the road into the village. Beautiful River Dove; Beresford Dale gorge; The Peak Pilgrimage   Wetton Mill and Sugarloaf Starting from the historic Wetton Mill, now a café, this is a hilly and adventurous walk around the limestone outcrop of Sugarloaf. But once above the main Manifold valley, you will feel a world away from the visitor honeypots of Bakewell and lower Dovedale. There’s disappearing streams, wildflower meadows, stunning views of hills and plenty of historical context from past railways to former copper mines. There’s also a surprising connection with Arthurian legend and the Bayeaux tapestry. A hilly walk to Sugarloaf  and through Wetton Hill Dale; ends at a nice café   Dovedale Dovedale is perhaps the most iconic Peak District location; so overcrowding can be an issue at times, particularly on sunny summer weekends – try and visit at quieter times, if possible. This walk starts and ends at Ilam, a pretty hamlet that has Saxon origins and an unexpected Alpine feel. The way crosses fields to an accessible track by the beautiful River Dove, with its clear-flowing waters, narrow limestone valley and stepping stones, before retracing the route to return. Idyllic Dovedale along the scenic River Dove from NT Ilam Park   Thorpe and Tissington Tissington Trail is a lovely traffic- free route created along the former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line. This delightful walk passes through the Fenny Bentley Cutting, one of the prettiest sections of the trail, and a riot of wildflowers in spring. The walk visits the pretty estate village of Tissington, with its attractive duck pond and the impressive Tissington Hall, home of the FitzHerbert family. Do leave time to visit the tearoom for refreshment. Traffic-free trail; pretty Tissington, with pond, tearooms and hall