This easy Chee Dale circular walk has so much variety. You’ll walk through a beautiful gorge, take in two sets of stepping stones - which see far fewer crowds than the ones at Dovedale - as well several fun abandoned tunnels.
It’s perfect for when you want a break from the more strenuous trails, without compromising on fabulous scenery. It’s also a nice option when the wind is howling and you don’t want to be up on the exposed hills.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Chee Dale circular walk.
The Chee Dale Circular Walk
The stats
Distance: 3.1 miles (5km) circuit
Elevation gain: 50m
Difficulty: Easy
This Chee Dale walk is almost entirely flat and generally has very good terrain. Compared to other trails in the Peaks, there’s also very little in the way of mud.
There are two very short rocky patches, which can be slippery, but it is just a few steps, and the only other bit of track you might want to watch your footing on, is the second set of stepping stones, which are very uneven.
Other than that it’s a smooth easy walk, which can be lengthened or shortened if desired. The walk is signposted at points, but not all the way through, so we have included detailed directions below.
Starting the trail
From the parking area (details below) the walk heads onto the Monsal Trail and right, heading west in the direction of Wye Dale.
The first 750m are all completely flat, heading along the wonderfully maintained, wide path which is shared with cyclists and horse riders.
Depending on the season it might be busy here, but it doesn’t take long before you turn off for Chee Dale and the crowds melt away.
Before you reach the turn off, you’ll pass the disused Buxton Lime Kiln (650m into the track), which is now a haven for the local swift and bat populations.
At the 750m mark you’ll reach an old railway viaduct, which is now a popular abseiling spot. Just before this bridge on the right, you’ll see a path downhill towards the river, which is signposted.
Along the river
After taking the stairs down to the waters edge, you’ll head right, following the narrow dirt path along the river.
The path is generally very good, there are a few smooth rocks which can be a touch slippery, but they’re easy to avoid.
After a flat 400m walk along the river, you’ll reach a junction, and head straight, onto the wooden boardwalk.
The boardwalks are very pretty, often lined on both sides with giant plants which made me think of The Wind in the Willows!
After a few hundred metres you’ll reach a short rocky section of track, with a few smooth rocks which can be a little slippery. It’s easy enough if you take it slowly though.
Another couple of hundred metres later (1.7km into the trail) you’ll cross a little wooden footbridge, which is really just a plank of wood, and charmingly rustic.
Roughly 100m later you have a very short (one minute) descent, again on smooth rock, which looks like it might be worse than it is.
It’s actually nicely tiered and easy enough with careful footing.
You will then begin walking through the stunning gorge.
Through the gorge and to the stepping stones
The next part of the walk is the most atmospheric, and my favourite section of the whole track. You’ll be wandering along a dirt path alongside the river and tall silvery gorge walls.
It’s so picturesque and on a still day you’ll see a perfect mirror image of the limestone cliffs in the water. The path is again often lined with the plants that give it that children’s storybook feel.
After 350m walking through the gorge (2.2km into the trail), you’ll come to a huge cliff wall, which is popular with climbers.
It’s a stunning spot and just beyond this you’ll come to the first set of Chee Dale’s stepping stones.
These stepping stones are nice and even, both in terms of terrain and spacing, so they’re easy to cross.
They cross the water just beneath the huge cliff wall which makes for a gorgeous scene. They’re different, but every bit as pretty and fun as the more famous stepping stones at Dovedale.
To the second set of Chee Dale stepping stones
Roughly 180m beyond the first set of stepping stones you’ll reach a small bridge and another old railway viaduct. You’ll head right after the bridge and pass under the viaduct.
Just 70m later you’ll see a path on the left, which is a potential short cut. It will take you up to the Chee Tor Tunnel on the Monsal Track and knock approximately 1.3km off the total distance.
If you don’t want to shorten the walk then instead continue straight. You’ll now be heading along a narrow dirt track above the river.
Just 300m later you’ll come to the second set of stepping stones.
These are more uneven, both in terms of the rocks themselves and the spacing. I had to watch my footing on these ones. However, they’re still easy enough and very scenic.
Through the Monsal Trail tunnels
Approximately 350m beyond the second set of stepping stones you’ll come to another viaduct and stairs leading up to the Monsal Trail.
Once you reach the top of the stairs you’ll head left and soon see the first tunnel.
The next 1.8km are all flat and back on the well manicured Monsal Trail. You’ll walk through three tunnels in total, with the most impressive being the Chee Tor Tunnel, which is so long it’s actually lit, unlike the others.
It goes for over 100m and was good fun to walk through, I can imagine kids would love it!
Just 150m beyond the final tunnel you’ll come back to the abseilers favourite bridge and retrace your steps to the car park.
All in all, this is a fun and varied walk which would make a fantastic option for families, or anyone wanting to see one of the slightly quieter dales in the area.
Parking for the Chee Dale walk
The closest car park to the trailhead is the Millers Dale Car Park which is a paid car park. The fees are: 1 hour - £1.50, 2 hours - £2.50, 4 hours - £4 and all day £4.75. The walk took us 1 hour 40 minutes for reference, which included time taking photos and videos. However, you don’t want to feel rushed, so you might want to go for the 4 hour option if you’re planning on stopping for lunch etc.
There was some free parking in lay-bys a little further down the B6049, but it was all full on our visit.
Just by the trailhead you’ll see toilets and a cafe.
The car park is located 15 minutes (7 miles) from Buxton, 15 minutes (8 miles) from Bakewell and 30 minutes (12 miles) from Sheffield.
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