Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walk (circular), Peak District

If you’re looking for a unique and scenic walk in the Peak District, the Chee Dale Stepping Stones walk should be high on your list.  This beautiful circular route combines riverside paths, dramatic limestone scenery, and a touch of adventure, making it one of our favourite Peak District walks.

We were delighted to discover that walk was just a short distance from Tideswell, the Derbyshire village where we were staying.  It had been on our list for a while, and I’m so glad we finally did it, as the Chee Dale Stepping Stones circular walk became one of the highlights of our trip.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, including parking at Miller’s Dale, route options, walking directions, and practical tips for tackling the stepping stones safely.  I’ve also included details of a shorter out-and-back route, if you’re looking for a quicker or less demanding route.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or searching for a family-friendly walk in the Peak District, the Chee Dale Stepping Stones are a must-see.

Chee Dale is a stunning limestone gorge carved by the River Wye, right in the heart of the Peak District National Park.  Located just 3 miles from Buxton, this peaceful valley is a designated nature reserve, known for its ancient woodland, towering cliffs, and rich wildlife.

The highlight of the walk for many visitors are the Chee Dale Stepping Stones, which create a memorable crossing and add a sense of fun to the walk.

• Start: Miller’s Dale Car Park
• Distance:   5 miles (8km)
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty:  moderate (physically challenging in parts)
• Terrain:  uneven, rocky and very muddy in parts
• Refreshments:  2 cafés, toilets at start

This circular route takes in both sets of Chee Dale stepping stones, stretches of the Monsal Trail, and quieter riverside paths through Chee Dale Nature Reserve.

There are several ways to explore the Chee Dale, but we chose a 5-mile circular walk that allowed us to experience the full variety of scenery.  One of the best things about this route is that it includes two separate sets of stepping stones, each offering a slightly different perspective of the gorge.

Our Chee Dale Stepping Stones walk starts at the Miller’s Dale car park, just off the B6049, between Wormhill and Blackwell.  It’s easy to find and has good facilities, making it an excellent base for this Peak District Walk.

Before setting off, you can grab a bite to eat or a takeaway snack at the café housed in the old railway building at Miller’s Dale station.  With hot food, sandwiches, and refreshments available, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up for your walk or to stop when you return.  They also have toilets and changing facilities.

The walk begins on the Monsal Trail, which you can join directly from the car park.  This former railway line once linked London and Manchester, and is now one of the most popular walking and cycling routes in the Peak District.

This early section is flat and easy-going, making it a gentle start before the more rugged terrain later on.  It is also the busiest stretch of the walk.

A short distance along the Monsal Trail, you’ll reach the East Buxton Lime Kilns, an impressive industrial relic dating back to 1880.  Once producing over 50 tonnes of quicklime a day, the kilns remained operational until 1944, and today stand as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage.

The kilns are now home to wildlife, including bats and swifts.  You can climb inside the kiln to see what it might have been like during its working days.  It only takes a few minutes, but it’s fascinating, especially for children.  A torch is useful, as it’s very dark inside.

Continuing along the Monsal Trail, keep an eye out for cyclists sharing the path.   You’ll cross the Monsal Dale Viaduct, where you can usually watch abseilers descending into the valley.

Ignore the signs directing you down to Chee Dale at this point and continue straight ahead through the Chee Dale tunnel, which is short, atmospheric, and always a hit with kids!

At Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire you’ll find a refreshment kiosk and picnic benches, making it the perfect stop for a quick drink or snack.

Cross the wooden bridge over the River Wye, turn right, and double back on yourself.  Look for the Chee Dale signpost to guide you in the right direction.

This riverside section is particularly beautiful and one of the highlights of the Chee Dale Stepping Stones walk.  Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, dippers, and wagtails.  Although we didn’t spot any on this visit, we were lucky enough to spot mandarin ducks further along.

Follow the path, descending the steps beneath the viaduct and continue along the River Wye.

Eventually, you’ll reach the first set of Chee Dale stepping stones, tucked beneath the towering limestone cliffs.  Unlike many stepping stones, these fun alongside the cliff face, rather than crossing the river.   They even pass beneath an overhanging cliff, so you need to keep an eye on your head.

Take care here, as the stones can be very slippery, particularly after rain or when water levels are high.  During busy times, you may need to wait your turn to cross, as walkers will be approaching from the other direction.

Continuing along the same path brings you to the second set of stepping stones, which are just as scenic.

The section of walk after the stepping stones is more challenging than the earlier stages.  The ground becomes uneven, with exposed tree roots and rocky sections.

As we tackled this part of the trail after a prolonged period of heavy rain, the path was extremely muddy, turning some areas into a bit of a mud swamp!  While there were a few stretches with boardwalks, much of the route was a muddy challenge, so sturdy footwear was essential.

Despite the tricky conditions, the scenery is beautiful and feels wonderfully remote, making it a rewarding part of the walk for anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure.

As you reach the Chee Dale Nature Reserve, this is the perfect spot to stop for a picnic.  After your break, cross another bridge, climb the hill to rejoin the Monsal Trail, and follow it back to Miller’s Dale to complete the loop.

You can see that it’s not the best walk to do after heavy rain and will not be accessible for everyone.  However, the walk’s natural beauty and diverse features make it one of the Peak District’s most popular walks.  We all loved it!  It’s a must-do for nature lovers and walkers looking for a fun experience in the Peak District!

• Wear sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or boots.  The terrain is uneven and can be muddy.
• The stepping stones can be slippery.
• After heavy rain, the stepping stones may be submerged!
• Bring insect repellent in the summer.
• There are no toilet facilities (apart from at the start).
• Phone signal is limited.

The easiest way to get to the start of the Chee Dale Stepping Stones walk is by car.  Miller’s Dale is around 8 miles from Bakewell and less than 20 miles from Sheffield, making this a great Peak District day walk.

Buses from Buxton to Miller’s Dale car park, using line no 65 or 65a (in school holidays).

If the full circular walk feels too much, there’s a shorter out-and-back walk to the Chee Dale Stepping Stones.

• Parking:  Wye Dale car park (SK17 9TE)

Start by parking at the Wye Dale car park, located opposite the entrance to Topley Pike Aggregate Quarry on the A6.  From here, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire, where you can follow the same riverside route to the stepping stones (following the directions above).

Once you’ve crossed them, simply retrace your steps.

This is a great option if you’re short on time or want a gentler introduction to the Chee Dale Stepping Stones walk.

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