First part of the walk was down some very steep steps and along to the now defunct Viaduct with the River Wye winding it's way lazily below us and out onto the Monsal Trail. The trail is a former railway line having been part of the Midland Railway line through the Peak District National Park.
We continued along the trail with the river on our right until we got to Cressbrook Mill. The original mill was built in 1783 as a cotton mill, this burnt down and was replaced by the current building in 1812. The mill was originally powered by two large water wheels until 1890 when they were replaced by turbines.
We wound our way down by to the river eventually crossing at Water-Cum-Jolly (yes, really!) and followed the river along past the limestone rocks. This part of the Peak District is called the White Peak because of the prevelant limestone landscape.
The walk along the river was very peaceful, and we didn't pass anyone else on this stretch of the walk.
We carried on until we got to Litton Mill - another cotton mill. Litton Mill was opened in 1782 and became notorious for the harsh treatment of the children who worked there. Children were imported from Sheffield and London and many of them died because of the conditions there. The mill has now been converted into luxury flats and holiday lets. A far cry from the days of child labour.
We stopped here for a drink and snack. Next we followed the trail towards Millerdale. What a shock. After the steep descent at the start of the walk, we had mainly been walking on the flat. We knew that at some point what comes down, has to go back up, and our time had come! Up some steps through the woods, onto a short plateau, marking the start of Priestcliffe Lees Site of Specific Scientific Interest Nature Reserve. Up more steps and then we were confronted by a very steep hill, which just seemed to go on forever, but probably took us about 20 minutes to get to the top of. The views from the top were lovely though and worth the climb.
Once again the trail steadied off and we set off over the fields towards Upper Dale. At this point we had to decide whether to carry straight on over the top of the fields or head down to Lees Bottom. By this time the pub back at the start of the walk was calling us, and we decided the delights of Lees Bottom would have to wait for another time.
The pathway here and in other places was awful. Snidy little stones had been poured along the way, I guess to make it easier to walk, but they were horrible little things, all sticking out at right angles making it uncomfortable to walk on. I think they may have been inhabited by the souls of the children who died in the mills, and this was their revenge. And who could blame them!!
Again we followed the line of the river, but from above once more.
By now we could see the pub in the distance. Another very steep decline, over more of those awful stones and we were back on to the Viaduct and within striking distance.
Our last climb of the day was back the way we had started, up the steep steps to the Monsel Head Hotel and The Stables, where we had a very welcome, and I'd say well earned pint!
Time taken: 2 hours 45mins
Distance: 5.89 miles
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