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80.5 km
3 days
1670 m
Multi Day
This multi-day loop captures the sharpest geological contrasts of the White Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands, taking you from riverside heritage towns and deep limestone dales to serrated reef knolls and cavernous gorges. Starting in Matlock, the trail follows gentle valley tracks alongside the River Derwent and River Wye toward Bakewell, famous for its medieval stone bridge and traditional pudding shops. A short northbound field walk brings you to Ashford-in-the-Water, home to the iconic 17th-century Sheepwash Bridge. From Ashford, the route climbs through farm fields to Over Haddon before descending into Lathkill Dale. This National Nature Reserve is one of the finest limestone valleys in the UK, framed by steep crags, ancient woodland, crystal-clear groundwater springs, and historic lead-mining ruins. Leaving the valley floor, you press westward into high pasture land toward the historic market village of Longnor.
The Dragon's Back & Manifold Valley Beyond Longnor, the route summits High Wheeldon before tackling the most dramatic spine in the Peak District: the steep limestone reef knolls of Parkhouse Hill and Chrome Hill. Known as the Dragon's Back, these sharp ridges demand careful footing as you traverse their narrow crests with panoramic views across the Upper Dove Valley. Heading south along the Manifold Valley, the trail reaches Thor's Cave, a massive natural rock arch set high in a limestone crag. The hollowed cavern offers sweeping views across the valley floor below and makes an ideal vantage point before turning back eastward.
The final stretch cuts back through the working and historic quarry landscapes surrounding Via Gellia and Bonsall. Passing through these carved stone valleys offers a stark, fascinating look at Derbyshire's industrial heritage before descending back into Matlock.
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