Monk's Dale - walk #1

Today we had a glorious sleep in (any time we encounter a bed larger than our "small double" it makes for an epic night's sleep) but made it out of the house just before midday for our first walk - a three to four hour circular walk from Tideswell through Monk's Dale.

We drove down the very windy roads from our place through Matlock and Bakewell (didn't stop for a tart this time but did scope out some places for a future stop) to Tideswell. After minor uncertainty on my behalf regarding the gps (where we have ascertained that Adrian is probably better at directions than I) we headed out across the fields.

We encountered some cold-looking cows ("freeeesians"), lots of stiles and various breeds of sheep. Then it was down into Monk's Dale which was a lovely valley between limestone cliffs. It was chilly but when the sun came out it was lovely and the autumn leaves were out in full force. We crossed the River Wye and then circled back up to Tideswell after spending a bit of time on the Monsale Trail - a cycling and walking path on a disused railway track which had very cool hand-cranked storytelling stations where you could hear tales from the local area.

So, one walk down, many to go!

Walking across the fields

In Monk's Dale

Emerging from Monk's Dale towards Miller's Dale

You shall not pass!

Listening to the stories on the Monsale Trail

Looking out over the hills from the Monsale Trail

A new friend!