Monk’s Dale is a beautiful walk in the Peak District National Park. It’s a less popular route than nearby Chee Dale or Monsal Trail but it’s just as picturesque.
The Monk’s Dale walk is one of the five Derbyshire Dales, covering 57 hectares. It takes you through the valley of Monk’s Dale Nature Reserve and you’ll be met an array of greens from the different plants, trees and mosses along the walk.
The walk is wonderful to enjoy any time of the year but particularly in spring/summer months when you can see the Nature Reserve really come to life with birds and wildflowers.
Here you will find details on how to get to the start of the walk, route information, facilities on the walk, plus a detailed step by step guide of the walk.
I would always recommend that you take a paper map with you on the walk, details below on which map you need for this walk.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve done this walk and what you think!
Monk’s Dale from Miller Dale
Walk information
Walk type: Short circular walk
Distance: 4.5 miles/7 km
Walk time: 2-3 hours
Total ascent: 345 m/1,099 ft
Highest point: 318 m/1,043 ft
Walk highlights: Miller’s Dale Station, Mondal trail and Monk’s Dale
Monk’s Dale walk map
Walk start point
Start grid reference: SK 138 732
Car parking address: Miller’s Dale car park, Wormhill, Buxton, SK17 8SN
The car park has about 80 spaces, but it’s a very popular place to visit so arrive early to guarantee a space during peak times.
Parking Cost
- £1.40 up to 1 hour
- £2.50 up to 2 hours
- £4.00 up to 4 hours
- £4.75 all-day
Public transport
Nearest train station: Buxton train station (6 mile/10 km)
From the train station, it’s about 16 minutes on a bus that drops you close to the car park.
Facilities on the walk
There are public toilets available at the start of the walk at Miller Dale car park. However, no other toilets on the rest of the walk.
During weekends and peak times there is also a cafe that opens serving drinks and snacks.
Other useful information
The footpath through Monk’s Dale is very uneven and rocky in place, so although a short walk in length, this section can take longer than you might expect.
The route has minimal signposts but as long as you follow the stream you can’t go too wrong. I would always recommend you take a map and compass (see below).
Check the weather for your walk location and hills
- BBC Weather for Tideswell
- Met Office weather for the Peak District
- Met Office weather for Tideswell
Ordnance Survey Walk Map
The map required for this walk is OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area)
Buy a paper map at outdoor shops or shop online at Amazon or Ordnance Survey
Check prices here with Ordnance Survey, you can buy a standard map or a waterproof one. You can sometimes find cheaper deals on Amazon, but the Ordnance Survey website sometimes has discounts for buying more than one map!
And don’t forget your compass.
There are lots to choose from, I recommend the Silva Expedition compass, it’s more expensive but a valuable piece of kit!
For online maps, you can get via OS Online App or Viewranger App.
Check here for one month or yearly options with OS Online App. For one month, the prices start from £2.99 a month or the annual option is from £23.99.
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Monk’s Dale walk route
Stage 1 – Miller Dale to Monk’s Dale
Distance: 0.6 miles/1 km
Grid reference SK 138 732
A wonderful place to start the walk, as you leave the car park you reach Millers Dale old train station, which used to be the busiest train station between Derby and Manchester.
Turn left and head along the Monsal Trail for about 500 metres until you see a sign for a footpath on your left.
Take the path and follow it steeply downhill and across a bridge over the River Wye.
Once across the bridge, cross over the main road and turn right, continuing on the road uphill bearing right.
After 100 metres, there’s a gate which then doubles back on the route, but continues heading upwards. Follow the path until you reach another single footpath leading down to Monk’s Dale.
It’s muddy around this area and you’ll need to take your time heading down to the valley.
Then simply across the stepping stones and turn left to follow Monk’s Dale.
Stage 2 – Monk’s Dale to Limestone Way
Distance: 1.5 mile/2.5 km
Grid reference SK 141 734
The path weaves through Monk’s Dale on a single track footpath, which appears and disappears as you make your way along the route.
You’ll cross over a wooden bridge onto the other side of the stream before if gradually disappears and you’re in the heart of Monk’s Dale.
The route isn’t signposted but simply continue following all the way through the Nature Reserve.
Go through a stone stile in a drystone wall exploring deeper into Monk’s Dale.
There are lots of tree roots and rocky ground to navigate but it’s a real sensation overload so take your time and enjoy seeing how nature has taken over the walk.
Eventually, you’ll come out onto a flatter path and across a field to the road where you join the Limestone Way.
Stage 3 – Limestone Way to Miller Dale
Distance: 2.3 miles/3.8 km
Grid reference SK 130 752
Turn right up the road. Then at the crossroads, turn right again, following the signpost for the Limestone Way.
Continue along the track all the way until you go through a gate. At this point, you’ll reach the path you were on at the beginning of the walk.
Head down the trail, through the gate at the bottom and turn right until you reach the road.
Follow the road, past the church and under the viaduct.
As the road then leads off to the right you’ll see a footpath sign with steps leading back up to the Monsal Trail. Turn right at the top, then you’ll be back at Millers Dale station shortly after.
Do you have any more questions about Monk’s Dale walk, maybe what to wear on your hike or any other questions? Ask me in the comments below.
Options to extend this walk
Extend the walk
If you want to do a longer walk, why not add the Chee Dale 5-mile loop onto this route.
Stop at Millers Dale car park for lunch and a rest stop, then continue in the opposite direction and explore a different part of the area.
The full walking route here
Chee Dale 5-mile loop
More Walks in the Peak District
Love the walks in the White Peak Area of the Peak District? You might like these Peak District circular walks.
Have you done this walk, let me know any feedback in the comments.
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Please note 'Peak District Walks' accepts no liability through any injuries or accidents that may result from walking this route. We always recommend you take a paper map and compass on your walk. Read more here.
