THE CIRCULAR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE!
LOOKING TO COMPLETE THE CIRCULAR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK?
CIRCULAR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE!
Planning your trip to Peak District National Park?
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Our top suggestions:
⛰️ Rivendale Lodge Retreat (for 2)
dog friendly premium lodges set within scenic limestone hills.
🐝 Birds & The Bees Summer House (for 2)
unique farm stay in idyllic Summer house.
🌼 Buttercup Cottage (up to 6)
a cosy English cottage stay in Castleton village.
HOW LONG IS THIS CIRCULAR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK?
Our Chee Dale stepping stones walk below is a 3.4 mile circular route, which would take you approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to complete non-stop.
If you do count an additional stop at Millers Dale pit stop, rest and refreshments, we would allow for just over 2 hours to complete this trail.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THIS CIRCULAR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK?
Overall, we would say the Chee Dale stepping stones walk below is an easy to moderate Peak District walk!
This scenic path is slightly rocky in areas with a few twists and turns as you make your way further into the Chee Dale valley (nearing the stepping stones). Just be sure to just be careful with your footing.
POINT 1
Park for free along the wide on-road parking in Wormhill village. Please always be respectful to villagers and ensure no roads or driveways are blocked.
Walk along the side of the road out of Wormhill village towards the direction of Chee Dale. This country road is relatively quiet, but do be careful and vigilant for oncoming cars.
POINT 2
As you curl around the bend in the road, look out for a small gravel path on our right-hand side leading you off the road. This is the direct path to Chee Dale.
To confirm that you are indeed about to take the correct track, there is a signpost here stating ‘Public footpath to Chee Dale 1/2’. Go off the main road and follow this path.
Did You Know: UK’s National Parks, including the Peak District National Park, are areas where people live and work. There are no specific opening times, barriers and no entry charge!
Other epic UK National Park’s to visit include:
POINT 3
This scenic pathway is on a very slight downward gradient, and leads you through dotted trees and a few wooden gates. The path itself is very obvious, a narrow dirt track with grass verges lining either side. The path is also relatively straight.
POINT 4
The narrow dirt path will disappear and open out into glorious open short grassland. Continue forward bearing to the left across the grassland.
The grass in the field shows a slight footpath where others have trodden, but it is just not as obvious as the previous path.
It only takes a few minutes before the grassland to narrow and the pathway become more obvious. You will now see gorgeous rolling hills in the front of you, and the path will slowly and gently begin to descend downhill, taking you into Chee Dale!
POINT 5
At the bottom, you will see a wooden gate with the glittering and gently flowing River Wye directly in front. Congratulations, you have made it to the beautiful Chee Dale valley!
Walk through the wooden gate, and immediately turn right to continue on the boardwalk path on this side of the river Do not cross the bridge in front of you.
POINT 6
Enjoy this short section which traces the edge of the idyllic River Wye. Though relatively flat, the path does always keep you guessing, sporadically changing from a dirt path, to wooden boardwalks and even to short steps down a few rocky parts.
After 15 minutes or so, the path ends at a small wooden bridge on the left hand side. Cross this tiny bridge over the river to continue on your Chee Dale stepping stones walk.
Other brilliant walks to do in the Peak District:
POINT 7
Still tracing the River Wye, we are now on more elevated ground. The ground itself is on a slight tilt with large boulders and exposed tree roots, so just be careful with your stepping.
You will begin to see more prominent, majestic rock faces as we delve deeper into the Chee Dale valley!
After 5 minutes or so, there is short section where you will have to step down a short rocky part to get back down to river level again.
It is not that high (a gradual descent down around 2 metres), but does require you to just take it slowly, especially if it has rained recently and become slippery. If in doubt, do a Jordie and go down on your bum, safety first!
POINT 8
The scenery now seems to suddenly turn itself up a notch. Towering, rugged cliff faces now cradle you either side as you’ve made it deep into the enchanting Chee Dale valley.
Spot the mossy grassland and vast array of tree species that make this section of the walk so magical, and our favourite spot on this whole Chee Dale stepping stones walk!
The boardwalk path changes to a narrow dirt path with large (fixed) boulders that runs directly below the towering cliff face above for a few minutes, until reaching….
The Chee Dale stepping stones! You made it! These 30+ stepping stones cradle tightly near the cliff edge, allowing visitors a safe and iconic way to get across the River Wye and to continue on the trail.
Please note: The Chee Dale stepping stones can be slippery and can even disappear below the river level if there has been a lot of rainfall.
The stepping stones are only wide enough for one person at a time, and as it’s on a blind corner, if busy it is likely you will get halfway before realising around the cliff edge someone is coming in the opposite direction. Coming early or in non-peak times will increase the chances of this happening.
POINT 9
Straight after the Chee Dale stepping stones, you will see a large wooden bridge below a grand and seriously impressive viaduct arch. To get up to this viaduct is our next destination, joining us onto the Monsal trail.
To do so, cross the wooden bridge to get on the left hand side of the river, walk under the viaduct and follow the stepped path uphill to get to the top of the viaduct bridge!
POINT 10
Reaching the top of the viaduct bridge, turn right and walk through the Chee Tor tunnel.
Enjoy the experience of walking through this old train tunnel heading in the direction of Millers Dale. Expect to be joined by many cyclists enjoying this iconic Monsal trail!
POINT 11
Emerge out from the other end of Chee Tor tunnel and continue straight.
After a few moments, you will see a towering concrete monument on your left, The East Buxton Lime Kiln! This incredible infrastructure housed lime kilns (producing over 50 tonnes of quikclime a day) between 1880-1944!
Now, the kilns are a designated home to the Peak District’s wildlife, including Swift birds and three species of hibernating bat: the Natterer’s, Brown long-eared and Daubenton’s bats. Take a look inside the kiln to see if you can spot any!
POINT 12
You’ve made it to Millers Dale, an old train station platform which has been ingeniously revamped, including a small refreshments shop and free public toilets. This is also where the aforementioned Millers Dale Pay and Display car park is.
Treat yourself to a much required reward, from cold drinks to flavoursome ice cream, and enjoy whilst dangling your legs over what would have been the old train platform! There is also plenty of wooden benches and seating available.
POINT 13
It’s now time to return back to Wormhill village. Come out of the main Millers Dale car park entrance, take a left turn up the stepped footpath, which will take you straight back to Wormhill.
This will take you through an idyllic field before looping back onto the main road.
PARKING FOR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES
PARKING LOCATIONS FOR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES
FREE PARKING FOR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES
When we visited, Millers Dale car park was full, and so we stumbled on Wormhill village as a free parking opportunity for the Chee Dale stepping stones walk.
It is just a 3 minute uphill drive from Millers Dale car park (paid option below). Park along the side of road here to begin our Chee Dale step-by-step guide.
The benefit of parking in Wormhill is that the path to Chee Dale valley and Chee Dale stepping stones is shorter, and gets you there a lot more quicker!
PAID PARKING FOR CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES
Many people however would begin the Chee Dale stepping stones walk at Millers Dale car park (SK17 8SN) due to its on-site facilities.
This results in a slightly longer return route where you begin at Millers Dale first, reaching Chee Dale stepping stones before you return back.
MILLERS DALE CAR PARK COST
FACILITIES AT MILLERS DALE CAR PARK
At Millers Dale car park (SK17 8SN), there is a renovated old train station platform and building. Here, you will find free public toilets to use and a small shop selling refreshments, such as cold drinks and ice creams.
TOP TIPS FOR PARKING AT MILLERS DALE CAR PARK
WHERE TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT
⭐ The Cow Shed (2 people)
⭐ Little Barn Peak District (2 people)
⭐ Peak Edge Hotel (2 people)
⭐ Bankside Cottage (holiday home)
CHEE DALE WALK PACKING LIST
- Loose comfortable clothing for walking, such as tank tops, cotton shorts or leggings. If you visit in the colder months, pack additional layers.
- Comfortable lightweight walking shoes or boots with good grip and thermal socks.
- Refillable water bottle to bring on your Dovedale Valley walking trail.
- High factor sun cream for warmer months.
- Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses for warmer months.
- Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
- A lightweight rain poncho just in case – you never know with our unpredictable English weather!
CHEE DALE “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
WHERE IS THE CHEE DALE VALLEY?
The Chee Dale valley is located in the centre of the picturesque Peak District, a lush UK National Park made up of idyllic rolling hills and widespread woodland and countryside.
The Peak District itself is in the centre of the UK, making it easily accessible from most UK destinations in just a few hours or so!
WHAT IS THE CHEE DALE VALLEY?
WHAT ARE THE CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES?
ARE CHEE DALE AND MILLERS DALE WORTH VISITING?
HOW DO YOU GET TO THE CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES?
WHAT IS THE MONSAL TRAIL, AND WHAT DOES MILLERS DALE HAVE TO DO WITH IT?
ARE THE CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES DOG FRIENDLY?
CONCLUSION: CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK
To conclude, you simply cannot miss the Chee Dale stepping stones walk when you visit the Peak District.
The Chee Dale walking trail is a true hidden gem in the beautiful Chee Dale valley, with brilliant links to Millers Dale facilities and looping back onto the Monsal trail.
With regards to parking, either park respectfully along the road side in Wormhill village to get the the Chee Dale valley and stepping stones faster, or arrive to park at Millers Dale car park early and make use of its on-site facilities.
We hope you have an amazing time on this circular walk, and in the Peak District!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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