A gentle walk in Derbyshire showcasing some of the typical scenery to be found in the White Peak from Bradford Dale to the watery delights of the Lathkill River.
This 4 mile circuit starts in Youlgreave which for many centuries was an important lead mining centre and is still a busy little town today with three pubs, a post office/store and a couple of coffee shops.
Its church is well worth a look with Thomas Cockayne’s charming 1488 mini tomb in Derbyshire alabaster marble – its small size is because he predeceased his father – and the window above the altar which was designed by Edward Burne-Jones. There is a delightfully dilapidated graveyard – see if you can find one of Nelson’s sailors who fought at Copenhagen. The original wellhead is found on the main street opposite the well proportioned old Co-Op with its picture windows – now a Youth Hostel.
Opposite the 17th century Old Hall, Holywell Lane drops down to the tiny Bradford Dale which is a pleasant picnic spot. Following the sparkling little river upstream on either bank will lead to the eponymous hamlet from where the path leads straight on to Alport, meandering along under steep limestone cliffs.
There is a picturesque weir at Alport, from where the walk now follows the right bank of the River Lathkill, rather hidden at this stage, to Conksbury Bridge. Crossing the bridge, the trail now closely hugs the river bank, leading past a delightful succession of weirs and cool clear pools, with lots of ducks and moorhens.
Lathkill Lodge is recognisable by the clapper bridge, from where a rough track ascends to open country above and Meadow Place Grange, once owned by Leicester Abbey. There is an impressive assortment of solid stone barns and a handsome house. A final stretch through the rich walled grasslands and one road crossing leads to a little wood where a deep cleft marks the old lead mining vein of Long Rake.
Soon after the track emerges on Moor Lane where a left turn will drop you steeply back to Youlgreave with superb views over the surrounding countryside. It enters the town conveniently by the Peak Feast Bakery and store where you can have a well earned coffee and cake. They also have a good range of home made vegetarian meals with cool names such as chilli non carne!
Otherwise the picturesque Bulls Head Hotel is just a few steps further where stronger sustenance can be obtained as well as accommodation.
NOTES
This hike is described in the Collins rambler’s guide to the Peak District by Roly Smith (2000). It is walk number 8 and covers about 4 miles in 2 hours. Map: OS Outdoor Leisure Sheet 24, The White Peak
