This route includes part of the Monsal Trail, former railway line, and starts and finishes at the Millers Dale car park which has a lovely cafe and public toilets in the old station – with the platforms intact.
Leave the carpark at the far end of the platform and follow the good quality, wide, flat trail (not the smaller trail that heads off to the left into trees). Pass the huge lime kilns and just before the bridge turn off the main path to head steeply down the steps to the river and the base of the bridge. Turn right, away from the bridge, and follow the river.
The path is narrow in places and muddy with slippery rocks. There are a few sections where hands may be required. In a couple of places there are slippery rocks to cross with steep drops to the river below. If you are unsteady on your feet or unsure about traversing and scrambling down slippery and smooth rocks then this route may not be for you. The path next to the river becomes very muddy and will be especially so after heavy rain or a flood. During a flood this route will not be passable.
Navigation here is straightforward – follow the path alongside the river until you reach the stepping stones. Cross the awesome stepping stones carefully. You cannot see the end of them, so there may need to be some negotiation if people are coming the other way! Shortly after the stepping stones the path rises to the main path of the Monsal Trail. Turn right and head through the long tunnel, this is another gem on this route, and is well lit throughout the day. After the tunnel cross the bridge where people abseil and continue back to the Millers Dale car park.
To reach the stepping stones without the slippery rocks follow this route in reverse – follow the good track, cross the bridge, head through the tunnel and turn left just after down to the river. Follow the river to the stepping stones, cross them, then turn around and come back the same way.
