Millers Dale

This delectable section of Derbyshire has few rivals.  The course of the River Wye, a comparatively small stream which joins the Derwent at Rowsley, is only a few miles in length, but it is exceptionally beautiful. Between Bakewell and Rowsley, along the course of the Wye, an especially beautiful stretch has been called 'The Garden of the Peak', and is a valley, with rising hills well wooded, which leads to the junction with the waters of the Bradford and Lathkill.  This is a fine section for the angler, famous for trout and grayling.  Following the Wye upstream, the visitor passes Haddon to Bakewell, then to Ashford and Monsal Dale, where the vista becomes glorious as the river rounds the foot of Fin Cop. The railway viaduct at Monsal Dale, which excited the wrath of Ruskin, does not in fact unduly mar the countryside.

From Monsal Dale one passes to Cressbrook Dale, Bull Tor and Eagle Tor, and on to Millers Dale, at which point the whole character of the river changes from a still, peaceful stream to a raging torrent that tumbles, twists and bubbles across the stones about Chee Tor and Chee Dale.  It is here that the magnificent rocks, rising to some three hundred feet, overhang the river and dale.  And so it is all the way to Ashford Dale, past Lovers' Leap, and to Buxton.

Miller's Dale was once an important railway junction, where passengers for Buxton joined or left the trains between London and Manchester on the old Midland Railway. Since the railway was closed in 1964 the station has become a car park and Miller's Dale's importance has gone, except as a centre for exploring the local scenery.

Miller's Dale is an excellent centre from which to explore the gorges of the Wye and the high limestone plateau around it. Ravenstor, towards Litton Mill, is a fearsome overhanging limestone cliff on which local rock climbers practise, and there is more rock-climbing in Cheedale, upstream of Miller's Dale.

 

 

Downstream lies Litton Mill, a small hamlet grouped around a former cotton mill on the River Wye. The mill was built in the late 18th century and burned down in 1897 but was then rebuilt. In its early years the mill was known locally and nationally for its harsh treatment of its apprentices, many of whom were orphans both local and from as far away as London.

There are two Nature Reserves near Miller's Dale.  Priestcliffe Lees and Station Quarry belongs to Derbyshire Naturalists' Trust, while Monk's Dale (a dry tributary valley of the Wye) is a National Nature Reserve. Both are rich in classic limestone flora and fauna of the area.

Millers Dale is a small tranquil village, surrounded by tree-clad hills, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. Sit and picnic by the River Wye in Cheedale, explore the Monsal Trail, which meanders down the valley to Bakewell, or enjoy many other fabulous walks in the area.

Our local, ‘The Anglers Rest’, just down the hill, has a good selection of beers and wines and serves excellent food. Nearby is a small church with services on alternate Sundays. The craft supplies centre runs many woodturning courses and demonstrations throughout the year. The Wriggly Tin cafe at the old station provides welcome refreshment after exploring the area.

There are no shops in Millers Dale but Tideswell, two miles away, provides a good range of shops, restaurants, pubs and churches. Other shops can be found in Buxton (6 miles) or Bakewell (7 miles).