One of my favourite childhood walks is here from Alport to Youlgreave. It is one of the largest Peak District villages steeped in history and it is absolutely beautiful here. I am sure when you finish the river walk and then head to the village, you will look at all the gorgeous stone cottages and wish like myself, that you lived here to enjoy it every day.
Lathkill Dale walk starts from the same spot but in the completely different direction – one we will cover in coming months as this is just as stunning.
In the village All Saint’s Church dates back to 1130! It still dominates the centre of the village. It has a beautiful stained glass window which was made by William Morris. There is a lot of history in the village with ancient listed buildings still standing included Thimble Hall c1650 which is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest detached house.
You will also walk past the beautiful Co-operative society building in the centre from 1870 which is a lovely three-storey building and is now home to Youlgreave Youth Hostel.
Noted on this walk is the stunning wild water swimming spot which is very clearly signed. It was originally built so that farmers could clean their sheep before sheering but do not let this put you off!! It is a beautiful clear but unbelievably cold wild swimming spot.
If you love enjoying stunning views and walking by water then this is for you. It is so picturesque and typical Derbyshire.
THE WALK :: THE WALK :: THE WALK
This walk can be cut short in a few different areas so I will give three options of lengths for you. Be warned, the shortest route does have a rather steep climb up a road.
Here we park in the little layby on Alport Lane or if this is full you can park carefully up the hill.
We start the walk from the junction of the river Bradford and head right from the main road. After a few yards you will head through a white gate. A little stream of the river will be on your right and high rocks will be on your left. Keep your eyes out as there are a few caves worth exploring and children will love to go and have a look at these.
Continue along and you will pass another gate. Coming straight to a lovely little bridge on your right. Here in the summer you can paddle in the stream. The water is unbelievably clear and freezing cold.
Carry on until you come to another gate and you will be on the bottom of Mawstone lane. Follow straight across this road with the river still on your left hand side.
Sometimes in the summer you will find an ice cream van here at the bottom of the lane.
Across through the bulrushes, keeping an eye out for the most beautiful river bird, the kingfisher.
Carry on the main path. You will come upon a natural swimming area on your left. This has really gained popularity since the rise of cold water swimming and the benefits it brings. We recently walked here in February and ladies were still swimming! The water is so cold here but in the summer it can be a refreshing dip. Just up from the swimming pool is a lovely section where you can just dip your toes and have a paddle if you are not so brave as those ladies!
Follow the path as the river winds, all the way to the end where there is a gate and you will see a white house just part way up the hill on your right. When I was a little girl, this used to be a lovely tearoom where we spent many an hour having ice creams after the walk. Sadly for me, this is now just a residential home but a beautiful one at that.
First walk short cut…
Here is the first of the short cuts – you can head straight up the road to the right where you will come out into Youlgreave itself and then head right up Holywell Lane where you will go down the main road to your car.
We are now going to go through the gate and cross the little bridge to the left and head immediately right, the river will now be on our right hand side. Along this path there are places to stop and admire the beauty of the water and the nature to be found there. My friend and I said this would be a perfect spot for an artist to bring a flask and an easel and just sit and draw. It is very tranquil.
Carry on past the river where we go through another gate.
Second short cut…
Here is another short cut – we are going to head right over the bridge. You then go right through the wall and follow the path all the way up – this is very muddy most of the time as it is under the cover of trees. You now have the river on your right. Be careful as this is quite steep!
We head all the way to the top. Thankfully there is a handily placed bench here! Take a moment to gather your breath. You know you are on the right bench when immediately in front of you is a beautiful allotment garden.
From here we take care to cross the road and head down into Youlgreave village itself. A few yards on the left are public toilets. Keep to the left as there isn’t a path as such but a marked walkway and the road is quite narrow.
A little further down you will pass a huge cricket pitch and playing field with a park; a must to stop at on a summer’s day and have a picnic with family and friends.
Carry on into Youlgreave itself. There are a few pubs to choose from for a drink or food here. Also a lovely village shop on your left hand side which sells fabulous produce and gorgeous cakes.
The main walk
So carry along the main path and follow the river on your right. This is the extension of the walk. You will come to the wall of words then follow the track to your right and after a couple of minutes you will see a footpath sign to your left.
When you come to the end of the field turn right and right again and follow the footpath all the way until you come out at Middleton by Youlgreave.
Head all the way down the road, Middle village hall will be on your left hand side.
Just follow the road all the way and you will head into Youlgreave itself.
After a well earned drink at the pub, continue right down the hill all the way to where you first started and your car is parked.
We’d love to see the photo’s of your walk – please send them in to vicky@imagespublishing.co.uk
