A Chee Dale walk, chosen by the kids!

We had a fabulous walk in Chee Dale at the start of Autumn. Life has been a bit manic, so I didn’t upload this before, but it’s such a nice walk it seemed a shame not to share…

I recently let the kids choose a walk from one of our Peak District books. It’s quite hectic in my family as we get used to me being a full-time student and my eldest has started high school. Apologies for the radio silence! Life sometimes just runs away with you doesn’t it? We all needed a revitalising walk in the fresh air. The leaves were just on the turn and it wasn’t quite Autumnal but there were definite signs that it was on the way. Having flicked through the books the kids decided that they would like to go to Chee Dale in the Peak District. I think the photos of stepping stones and gorges might have swung it for them! Keeping walks interesting and giving the kids the choices to choose where they go, makes for a more successful trip. It has then become their idea and their adventure, and I think there’s less moaning then.

Looking up towards viaduct on monsal trail Wye riverbank Sunny river bank at the side of the Wye Atumnal colours under canopy of trees

We parked in the Millers Dale pay and display car park at the old station. It was quite busy so aim to get there early. We walked along the Monsal trail until reaching the big bridge where there were lots of people abseiling. It looks great fun and maybe an activity for next time if we’re feeling brave. Taking the steps down to the river footpath, we walked along here taking in the beautiful scenery, crags and gorges. We used a Peak District walking books to guide us, backed up as usual with our Ordnance survey maps (OS Explorer OL24) and phone app. Being by the river and hoping to cross the stepping stones, I wanted to be prepared in case it wasn’t accessible. If you’re doing this walk it’s best to check the weather forecast and if its been raining maybe save for another day. Well, unless you’re feeling daring!

Limesone cliffs at the side of river Wye Hip2trek family walking under limestone cliffs Stepping stones below limestone cliffs Hip2trek negotiating stepping stones

The walk isn’t very long at 4.5 miles, although you must negotiate two lots of stepping stones and multiple rock climbers and all their gear. The river side footpath is quite uneven and tricky in places. If walking with little people you need to be careful or if you’ve dodgy hips, there are lots of tree roots to trip over.

The kids loved the walk they had picked. There was lots to keep them interested and despite being a little apprehensive about the stepping stones, the youngest made it without falling in the river. Taking steps back up to the Monsal trail we walked back along to the car park through the old railway tunnels. The kids loving making echo sounds and the spooky atmosphere inside them. I should let the kids pick the walks more often! The only down side of the day was that the sat nav took us a different way back and we didn’t stop at the pub I had my eye on for lunch.

Old railway tunnels Monsal trail Millers Dale wooden fingerpost

Have you any Peak district walk for us to try next time?

For more information about the Peak District try the Peak District website and for books try Walking Books which is where I got the ‘Dales and Valleys – Top 10 walks’ book that we used. Buy OS Explorer Maps direct from Ordnance Survey.

 

Hip2trek kids atand outside tunnel with warning danger sign. They pretend to look scared!

This article contains an affiliate link that should you purchase from I will receive a tiny commission, at no extra cost to you. If our adventure has inspired you to get out, let me know!

4 comments Add yours
    1. I squealed when I saw the stepping stones, never mind the kids! They definitely chose the walk based on them.

  1. Thank you, Emma! I have been trying to wok out which walk this one! I remember seeing it ages ago, but couldn’t for the life of me remember it! I’ll be adding it to the list as it looks and sounds fantastic. (even with the spooky tunnel!)

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