Miller’s Dale Circular Walk

Route Description for Miller’s Dale Circular Walk

While the Miller’s Dale Circular Walk is fairly flat and suitable for most walkers, there are a few steep sections along the trail, notable on the ascent and descent of Longstone Edge. Make sure to wear proper walking footwear and take your time along these sections during periods of wet weather.

As previously mentioned, this trail is a fantastic option for walkers of most skill levels, including families with children. Outside of the above mentioned steep parts, the route largely follows along the Monsal Trail that utilizes an old railway, making for a pleasant day of walking through tunnels and open terrain with some scenic views across the surrounding landscape.
Setting out from the trailhead, make your way east along the path as it crosses over the beautifully constructed expanse of the Miller’s Dale Viaduct. Once you have reached the opposite side, keep straight along the trail for the next 2.2 km, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding farms and woodland terrain.

Coming to the entrance to the Litton Tunnel, continue straight through its cavernous expanse until you temporarily pop out on the other side. After some brief views of the countryside, head into the Cressbrook Tunnel and pass through it to arrive near the winding River Wye. Make your way southeast along the lightly forested trail for the next 1.2 km, turning right at a junction with Brushfield Lane.

Follow the wide track for 2.4 km, making your way through stretches of open farmland terrain on your right and thick forests on your left. Along this part of the walk, you will pass through several gates before arriving at the Middle Farm Holiday Cottages in Brushfield. At the fork in the road, keep right and continue along the lane as it skirts around some buildings in a northwestern direction. After passing the buildings, make your way through the gate and keep straight for the next 0.55mi.

Reaching a fork in the path, keep left and follow Bulltor Lane as it cuts through the lush farming landscape and meets up with Broadway Lane. Turn left and follow this for 0.7 km to enter the village of Priestcliffe. Once there, turn right and follow the track north as it passes by several buildings and runs parallel to a stone wall for the next 0.5 km.

When you have come to a junction, bear left and continue along the track for the next 0.8 km to continue working your way between the beautiful fields that characterize the landscape here. At the junction with the lane, head right to begin your descent of the hill towards the road. Reaching the edge of the road, follow it to the right to head back into the village where you began the Miller’s Dale Circular Walk.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.

Insider Hints for Miller’s Dale Circular Walk

• A good portion of this walk utilizes the Monsal Trail, an old railway that has been converted to walking trails. If you don’t want to follow this the entire way, make your way down to the bank of the River Wye for an even more scenic route.
• Some sections of the trail can be steep and slippery when wet. Wear proper footwear and exercise caution when traversing these areas.