Chee Dale

Be sure to stop when you are on the Monsal Trail to admire this beautiful reserve with a quarry and 200ft steep-sided gorge! Part of a string of nature reserves along the Monsal Trail in the Wye Valley.

Location

Miller's Dale car park is the best place to start
On the Monsal Trail
Off the A6

Buxton

Derbyshire

SK17 8SN

OS Map Reference

SK 1380 7326

Know before you go

Size

54 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

Park at the Miller's Dale car park

Bicycle parking

Park your bikes at the entrance of the reserve and walk in

Walking trails

Although the paths are open at all times they are highly likely to be wet, muddy or even flooded especially between September and March.

The natural rock faces and quarries can be hazardous.

To avoid danger please keep to the paths and wear appropriate footwear for the uneven surfaces to avoid slips or trips.

Access

There is partial disabled access on this reserve, along the Monsal Trail from Miller's Dale Station as far as the abseiling bridge, which gives views over the reserve. There is no other wheeled access onto the reserve. Boardwalks accessed by steps and stepping stones make some paths unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Summer for orchids, wild flowers and plenty of insects

About the reserve

The majestic slopes and imposing crags of carboniferous limestone that form Chee Dale create a spectacular setting for a walk.

Allow plenty of time to explore this species-rich limestone dale. Among its many delights are the ash woodland, limestone grassland and an impressive 200ft deep gorge, all internationally important. The limestone grassland is bursting with colour all summer, from the cowslips and early purple orchids of May, through the delicately petalled rock rose and the spectacular bright blue spires of Jacob's Ladder, to grass of Parnassus and sheets of scabious in August.

The dale's ash woodlands have developed on the steep slopes and you will even notice some trees growing out of the cliff faces. Look for dark green yews and rock whitebeams with white undersides to their leaves. As you walk beside the river you may be lucky enough to see a dipper 'bobbing' on the rocks as it searches for food.

The woodland provides perfect perches for summer visitors like the spotted flycatcher to swoop for insects. Among other birds which nest here are blackcap, chiffchaff and willow warbler.