How to get to Lathkill Dale and Waterfall from Monyash
The Lathkill Dale walk is a spectacular hike through one of the UK’s most exceptional limestone valleys and one of five in the Derbyshire Dales Nature Reserve. It is in the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park and has breathtaking scenery that will leave you speechless.
We were particularly amazed by the clear water, streams and mossy rocks. The walk offers a lot of attractions, from the impressive waterfall to the wildlife, river and the abundance of wildflowers.
The Lathkill River was described in the Compleat Angler in 1653 as “the purest and most transparent stream that I ever saw”, and it’s definitely the most transparent water we’ve ever seen in the Peak District.
Interestingly, there are certain parts of this walk where the river is hidden and reappears because of the old lead mining shafts that invite the water underground.
The National Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so there are warnings that you should not damage the flora or fauna of the land. Please remember you (and dogs) are not permitted to go in the water because you could disrupt the wildlife, including the dipper bird, which we were lucky enough to see.
The land has had many uses over the years, such as miners, farmers and quarrymen, and you will be able to see this on your walk. Although, it is difficult to imagine it as a place of industry, it is so serene, calm and pretty today.
The walk we suggest goes through Lathkill Dale, down Lathkill River, past the waterfall and then up above the tops between stone stiles, before dropping down again to rejoin the path you began on. In our opinion, it is the best way to see the beautiful Lathkill Dale waterfall, as you can see it from different perspectives.
Lathkill Dale Walk Details
Time: 2-3 hours depending on pace and stops
Distance: 7km/ 4.4 miles
Elevation: 312m
Route Type: Circular
Lathkill Dale Walk Parking
Park on Church St, Monyash, Bakewell in the Lathkill Dale parking area. There are enough spaces for 4-6 cars, depending on how close the vehicles park together.
However, there is a layby for roadside parking opposite the car park, which a lot of people park. The car park has a donation box to help maintain it. Remember to arrive early to get a spot, especially on sunny days or school holidays.
There are toilets, but we have never seen these open. Let us know if that changes. Therefore, there are no facilities at the start of this walk. The nearest toilets are in Monyash, which is very close.
Click here for Google Maps Directions or search Toilets and Lathkill Dale Footpath on Google Maps to find the start.
Lathkill Dale Parking Postcode: DE45 1JH
Lathkill Dale Map
The paper map required is the Ordnance Survey OL24 – Peak District (White Peak Area) and we recommend taking this with you.
Lathkill Dale Weather
Remember to check the weather forecast before going on the Lankill Dale walk. Please know that the weather can change very quickly. When we last completed this walk, we had strong wind, rain and sunshine all in the space of a couple of hours. After heavy rain, the Lathkill River is prone to flooding.
Please check Monyash’s Weather on the BBC Website.
Alternatively, you can look at Bakewell’s on the Met Office Website.
Top Tips
- The best time to do the Lathkill Dale walk is April, May, and June due to the beautiful plants and birds. In May, you can see purple orchids and the rare Jacob’s Ladder in mid-June.
- Keep out of the old mine workings and stay to the paths as advised.
- Keep your dogs on a lead, and do not let them enter the water to protect the habitats. Remember to clean up after them.
- Do not enter in the water. Simply enjoy how crystal-clear it is from the banks.
- You can spot Dippers all year round here, but you are asked not to step in the water, keep your dogs away, photograph them from a distance and do not stay in one place for a long time.
- You will need the OS Explorer Active Map OL24 Map (White Peak) for this walk.
- The terrain is uneven, rocky and slippy due to the limestone. Also, there are stiles, so ensure that you wear appropriate footwear and do not attempt if you have mobility issues.
- Remember, you can turn around at any point on this walk. If you are struggling, you would not need to do the circular route to see all the beautiful attractions of the walk.
- There are very steep edges and cliffs, so remember not to go close to the edges and be careful. In strong winds, this walk is dangerous.
- Arrive early or late to avoid the rush of people. It is a popular walk and can get extremely busy.
Lathkill Dale Walk Directions
Remember only to use these directions as a guide and take a map with you – conditions can change!
Step 1: Lathkill Dale Parking Area to Lathkill Dale
Grid Reference to begin the walk: SK 15735 66454
The walk starts as you turn right from the car park.
From here, go through the wooden gate, and walk along the grassy path. There are many information signs by Natural England that you can read to learn about the area.
You will go past a pond on your right, which is home to protected species and is well-worth stopping to see if you can spot any dragonflies. After, go through another wooden gate through a field and continue straight through the third wooden gate.
From here, continue to walk through the narrow footpath with limestone cliffs on both sides. The ground is uneven and slippy, so take your time, and you will have to walk over some boulders too.
There will be huge boulders on your right, from Ricklow Dale, which is above you. Eventually, you will come to a gap in a stone wall, and you will arrive in the open valley to see Lathkill Dale in all its glory. Continue down the dale.
Step 2: The River Lathkill to Lathkill Dale Waterfall
Eventually, you will be able to see Lathkill Head Cave on your right-hand side. Sometimes (mainly in winter if it is wet), the River Lathkill emerges here.
After you have finished exploring, you should follow the path as it curves to have the stone wall on your right. Keep following the river and go straight. Do not cross Sheepwash Bridge unless you want to do a shorter walk as this will take you to Cales Dale.
We recommend following the river and going straight. Continue along the rocky path and go through the wooden gate.
After that, go through the gap in the stone wall and continue. Follow the stony path next to the river. Soon you will see the Lathkill Dale Waterfall on your right, a beautiful waterfall. We recommend stopping to admire its beauty!
Step 3: The Waterfall to above the Dale
Continue along the path next to the river, and you will reach a wier on your left. Immediately after, turn left and go uphill next to the stone wall in the grassy track. The track becomes stony and then grassy again as you go steep uphill.
At the gap in the stone wall, you will need to turn left (see photo) and continue over the grassy path that goes up the hill through the trees. Turn left and continue around the hill. Walk along the top and go over the stile. Continue along the path over two more stiles and through the trees.
A stone path heads downhill if you wish to shorten your walk. It is a good option because you can rejoin the way you started on earlier.
Step 4: Ricklow Dale to the Car Park
Keep walking and stay high before going through a gap in a stone wall, through a gate and into Ricklow Dale. Head downhill at the small signpost, and you will drop down to the path you started on. Several tracks go down, so look at the map and choose the one you want. We went down earlier because there were strong winds the last time we did this walk.
Keep walking along the grassy path, and you will reach Lathkill Dale car park.
Lathkill Dale Walk and Waterfall complete! Well done! We hope you have enjoyed your walk in this beautiful area of the Peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shorter Lathkill Dale Walk?
You can do an out and back Lathkill Dale walk. It means you could walk as far as you like and turn around after seeing what you wanted.
For example, you could turn back at the cave or the waterfall. You could also turn up the banks sooner than the weir, but this would mean that you would skip the waterfall, which was a highlight for us.
Who owns Lathkill Dale?
Natural England maintains and manages parts of Lathkill Dale, and on your walk, you will be able to learn from the information boards about what they do. There are many public rights of way footpaths, which means that you can access them,
Can you swim in Lathkill Dale?
Unfortunately, you are not permitted to swim in Lathkill Dale because you could destroy habitats and disturb wildlife.
Can I use public transport to get to Lathkill Dale?
There is a bus service (X71) from Sheffield. However, this service is unreliable and would require additional planning and long waiting times. Therefore, the best option is to arrive by car.
Where is Lathkill Dale?
Lathkill Dale is half a mile from Monyash village and is 3-miles from Bakewell and 8 miles southeast of Buxton. It is in the southern end of the Peak District National Park and is in River Lathkill.
How long is Lathkill Dale?
The most popular walk is 7km or 4.4 miles long. You can make this walk shorter and more extended to suit your needs.
Where can I go after the Lathkill Dale Walk?
600m from the parking area, there is the lively Bulls Head in Monyash and The Old Smithy Tea Rooms. There is also Tagg Lane Diary on the other side, or you could head to Bakewell, which is a 10-minute drive away for a Bakewell tart.
Where can I stay near Lathkill Dale?
Campsite: you can stay at the Lathkill Dale Campground, a beautiful site where you can begin your walk from.
Hotel: if camping is not for you, you can stay at the Lathkill Dale Hotel which offer panoramic views of Lathkill Dale.
What walks can I do near Lathkill Dale?
There are plenty of walks nearby Lathkill Dale. Please read our guides below for inspiration.
- Mam Tor Walk
- Padley Gorge Walk
- Ladybower Reservoir Walk
- Dovestone Reservoir Walk
- Thor’s Cave Walk
- Bamford Edge
- Kinder Scout – The Tallest Peak
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.