Trail Running > Routes > Peak District Routes > Lathkill Dale
A beautiful 19 km trail run through Lathkill Dale, with crystal-clear rivers, limestone gorges and classic White Peak scenery.
Why run this trail?
Lathkill Dale is internationally recognised for its flower-rich meadows, sparkling river and dramatic limestone crags. It’s frequently cited as one of the most beautiful dales in the UK and it’s easy to see why.
For trail running, it’s hard to beat – especially in late spring, when the valley is lush with new growth and the trout are rising in the crystal-clear water. The tranquil setting belies a long industrial past, but the remnants of historic mining activity – etched into the landscape and waterways – now blend harmoniously with nature.
Starting from Monyash, this route first explores neighbouring Bradford Dale before following the full length of the River Lathkill back to the village. It makes for an immersive run that showcases the best of the White Peak: a patchwork of rolling pasture and dry stone walls, riverside trails crossing tiny packhorse bridges and narrow, rock-strewn paths winding through steep-sided gorges.
If you’re planning to run just one dale in the Peak District, Lathkill Dale should be at the top of your list.
Monyash to Cales Dale
The small car park in Monyash fills up quickly, so plan ahead. There’s some roadside parking around the village green, but don’t bank on it during peak times. Additional parking can be found at nearby Youlgreave, which would make a good alternative start and finish point.
From Monyash, the route passes Fere Mere – a large, clear pond once used to supply water to the village. Shortly afterwards, you’ll leave the road to join the Limestone Way, following the fingerpost left along Derby Lane.
The trail begins as a wide gravel track between fields before narrowing into grassy paths that weave between pastures and over stiles. It’s an unassuming start, offering no indication of what’s to come.
After passing through One Ash Grange Farm (look out for the medieval stone pigsties on your left) the path dips into a grassy hollow before dropping into the wooded ravine of Cales Dale..
Cales Dale to Bradford Dale
Head straight down the rocky track into Cales Dale, briefly passing beneath a limestone overhang. Ignore the signpost for Lathkill Dale and instead climb the steep stone steps on the opposite side of the gorge.
At the top, pass through a gate into open farmland and follow the clear path across fields, skirting Calling Low Farm. Views begin to open out across the limestone plateau, with the sinuous edge of Lathkill Dale visible to your left.
Continue through Low Moor Plantation, then across several fields to reach a small lane by an old ruined mine building. Continue on the Limestone Way as it winds downhill through trees and briefly joins a quiet lane before descending into the wooded valley of Bradford Dale near Youlgreave.
Bradford Dale to Alport
It’s only once you drop fully into Bradford Dale and cross the river that the real quality of the landscape reveals itself. Clear water cascades between vibrant green mosses and ferns, tumbling over rocks to form large pools.
A series of old weirs – remnants of past industry – now create ideal habitats for trout, often visible darting through the shallows.
The broad riverside trail is flat and well-surfaced – it’s easy running that allows you to soak in the sights and sounds of this idyllic setting.
As the stone houses of Youlgreave become visible and start to dot the valley, a small stone bridge takes you across the river to continue on its north bank. The river narrows slightly and limestone cliffs begin to emerge on the opposite side of the river as you make your way towards Alport.
Alport to Lathkill Dale
With its handsome stone cottages clustered around a packhorse bridge and mill pond, the small hamlet of Alport could have been lifted straight out of a Constable painting. Sitting at the confluence of the Bradford and Lathkill rivers, it’s well worth doing a small loop before continuing.
Cross the road and join the riverside path towards Conksbury. The track runs easily across open pasture, bounded by broken dry stone walls, before joining a lane that leads over the medieval bridge at Conksbury and into Lathkill Dale.
Lathkill Dale to Monyash
The final five kilometres through Lahkill Dale is the highlight of the run – a constantly changing landscape of rare beauty.
The narrow path winds through lush vegetation before opening out to reveal a series of deep emerald green pools, the clear river tumbling lazily over stone weirs, framed by a mass of trees, foliage and reeds.
Where the actual nature reserve begins and ends seems academic, as the entire dale is a wilderness by any measure. The remains of old mine working – leats, caves and broken walls – blend perfectly into dense carpets of reeds and wildflowers that hum with insect and bird life. The river meanders then cascades in waterfalls over rocks encrusted with bright green mosses and ferns.
The vegetation eventually recedes and the path opens out into a steep-sided gorge, with pronounced limestone crags adorning the high tops. The path then winds through banks of scree as the River Lathkill eventually disappears below ground.
The trail becomes rocky and quite technical in places, demanding some concentration as you pick your line beneath the towering outcrops above.
As you approach the head of the dale, the path splinters through a field of boulders before easing back into rolling fields that lead the way back into Monyash.
A short stretch on the lane returns you to the village, where you may want to linger on the green with a cold drink and reflect on a truly beautiful run through one of the Peak District’s most outstanding dales.
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Disclaimer
All routes and GPX files are provided as a guide only. Conditions, rights of way, and landmarks may change. Always carry an up‑to‑date map and use your own judgement. See the Trail Run Disclaimer page for details.