Country:
District:
(S) Exit the carpark at Lees Bottom onto the A6 main road. Cross over to the signed path, descend the awkward stile and follow into the woodland. Where the path splits keep right and continue down to the River Wye. Follow this pleasant path upstream through Monsal Dale. Just before the old railway viaduct turn left and climb up to the old railway track. Turn right and cross the viaduct. Then take the path on the left that climbs up to Monsal Head with its wonderful views across the dale and railway viaduct.
(1) From the road junction at Monsal Head take the lane towards Little Longstone. Continue through Little Longstone, passing the pub on the left and telephone box on the right. After The Hollow B&B/Tea Room take the next footpath on the right signed to Monsal Trail. Follow this path through the field to Monsal Trail. There follows a section of easy walking going past Thornbridge Hall on your right to cross the A6020. About three hundred metres further on ascend to the walled lane and walk south (grid ref. SK213707).
(2) Continue on this bridleway across Cracknowl to reach the River Wye. Cross the river and walk up to the A6. Turn right along the A6 passing Lumford Mill on your right. At grid ref. SK209690) take the footpath on your right. This path loops along beside the River Wye before returning to the A6. Turn right along the A6, cross the old bridge over the River Wye and walk into the centre of Ashford-in-the-Water. Turn left down Greaves Lane, left again into Church Street, continuing to cross the bridge on your left over the River Wye to the A6.
(3) Turn right along the A6, taking the lane on your left (signed to Sheldon). Where the road bends to the left, go straight ahead onto the signed footpath at grid ref. SK189694. This path leads alongside the River Wye. Ignore paths off to your left and continue straight ahead. You will enter Great Shacklow Wood. Initially the path stays by the river but eventually climbs steadily through the wood. Reaching a steep open field at the end of the wood, turn right and descend back to the start.(E)
Walker
Difficult 
Association or club
Easy 
