Natural England - Derbyshire Dales: how to get there

Derbyshire Dales: how to get there

Derbyshire Dales NNR lies within the Peak District National Park. The reserve consists of five separate limestone valleys Lathkill, Cressbrook, Monk's, Long and Hay.

We encourage the use of sustainable transport whenever possible.

By cycle

The Peak District is served by sections of the National Cycle Network - see map of the Monyash areaexternal link and map of the Over Haddon areaexternal link.

By train

The closest railway stations to the reserve are at Buxtonexternal link and Matlock Bathexternal link.

By bus

For details of local bus services see Derbyshire County Council's East Midlands Journey Plannerexternal link.

By car

Lathkill Dale (SK190658) is 2 miles (3.2 km) south-west of Bakewell, between the villages of Over Haddon, Monyash and Youlgreave. There are public car parks at Over Haddon (SK203664) and at Moor Lane near Youlgreave (SK193646) as well as roadside parking close to the Monyash end of the reserve on the B5055, approximately half a mile east of Monyash (SK157665).

Cressbrook Dale (SK172744) is 4 ¼ miles (6.9 km) north of Bakewell, between the villages of Wardlow and Litton. There are public car parks at Monsal Head (SK184715) and Tideswell Dale (SK153743) as well as smaller parking areas at Ravensdale Cottages (SK172737) and Upperdale in Monsal Dale (SK178722).

Monk's Dale(SK134745) is situated 6 miles (9.7 km) north-west of Bakewell and 4 ¾ miles (7.7 km) east of Buxton. The nearest public car park is at Miller's Dale station (SK138733).

Long Dale (SK193598) is situated 5 ¾ miles (9.3 km) south of Bakewell between Newhaven on the A515 and the village of Elton. There are car parks at Minninglow (SK193583), Friden (SK172607) and Elton (SK223610).

Hay Dale (SK120770) is a short way north of Monks Dale and is 4 ¼ miles (6.8 km) north-east of Buxton and 8 miles (12.7 km) north-west of Bakewell, between the villages of Wheston and Peak Forest. The nearest public car park is at Miller's Dale station (SK138733).

On foot

If walking, the Limestone Way and Monsal Trail run through or close to the NNR.

Please note: there are no bridleways on the reserve so horses, mountain biking and other cycling are not permitted.

Accommodation

There are Youth Hostels at Bakewell, Youlgreave, Elton, Ravenstor (near Tideswell), Hartington and Buxton, as well as camping barns and campsites.

Other nearby attractions

The Wye valley between Buxton and Bakewell is home to a number of other nature reserves including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reservesexternal link at Deepdale & Topley Pike, Cheedale, Millers Dale Quarry, Priestcliffe Lees and Cramside Wood as well as the Plantlife reserve at Deepdaleexternal link.

Other nearby attractions include stately homes at Chatsworthexternal link and Haddon Hallexternal link and the historic towns of Buxton and Bakewell.