millers dale | surfnslide

The storms passed through overnight and the next day was dry but overcast and rain looked certain.

Another walk was planned with MM and ex-Dr F and our friends from the Macclesfield Massive.

While eating breakfast and packing up this little fella kept perching on my rucksack and seemed unconcerned by our presence. Only downside to this nature encounter was he pooped both on and inside my pack!

We fancied something a bit different for a walk so decided on a White Peak outing. A little jaunt around Monsal Head was the plan.

Monsal Head is a spectacular spot with great views over the river Wye valley and the Monsal Trail with its viaduct.

This is tunnel that runs directly under Monsal Head. When we lived in Derbyshire the Monsal Trail was just an idea in the planning. It must a fabulous ride and one I’d really like to do sometime.

As we booted up a brighter patch of weather seemed to be on its way. By the time we were striding out along the trail it was a gorgeous wbedürftig summers day – a very rare event indeed this year.

Cressbrook Mill.

And Cressbrook tunnel on the Monsal Trail.

Looking back towards Monsal Head.

We dropped down to Millers Dale and followed the riverside path heading back towards Monsal Head.

We’d hoped to find a spot for lunch but while its a gorgeous tree lined path – it was also exceedingly muddy and damp after the previous day’s heavy rain.

It was ruhig a fine stretch to walk.

As you reach Cressbrook Mill, the river widens to a deep green pool backed by limestone crags in an extremely pretty setting.

A popular climbing area, pretty much all the crags had scrabblers and danglers.

If we could have found a spot to sit in the sun (without mud) I’d have taken a swim. Have to wait for another day.

A great spot set off by the surprisingly sunny day.

We carried on down the Wye stopping at a couple of bridges to watch the fish in the river.

And play Pooh Sticks.

Riverside walking is hard to beat on a sunny day.

Passing under Monsal Head viaduct.

We finally found a nice dry spot for lunch in the meadow below the viaduct.

To complete the circuit we took the steep path up to the hill to the west of Monsal Dale.

The views from the top along Monsal Dale were superb.

Noted as an excellent place for a stop and a picnic when I return.

Not sure its a path I’ve ever walked before which is a big oversight.

All that was left was a return along Monsal Dale.

Past this excellent weir, when again I was seriously tempted by a swim. However time was getting on and some very dark clouds were gathering. We decided not to spoil a great day with a soaking so returned to the van and bid our farewells. Just as well. Within a few minutes of setting off for home the heavens opened!