Cressbrook Mill to Litton Mill walk: pram-friendly(ish) (5.5km, circular)

This pram friendly Peak District walk starts at Cressbrook Mill and follows the winding River Wye through the valley to Litton Mill and back along the Monsal Trail. The first half takes you through the steep-sided dale of Water-cum-Jolly with its impressive limestone crags. Whilst the second half loops you back along the trail overlooking the breathtaking valley and river you’ve just walked along. There are also a couple of tunnels to walk through which the kids always love.

The route is buggy friendly, although there are two small sets of steps leading to an uphill and slightly rocky path to the Monsal Trail. The first section of the route by the river can also get quite muddy in wet weather. You’ll be fine in an all-terrain buggy, but be prepared to get muddy wheels if it’s wet. The rest of the walk is flat with well-surfaced paths.

Cressbrook Mill to Litton Mill circular walk map

On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Active Map OL 24 (White Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.

Preview	Product	Price
	The Peak District: White Peak Area Map | Weatherproof | Peak…	£14.07	Buy on Amazon

This Cressbrook to Litton walk follows an anticlockwise route.

Need to know

DISTANCE OF WALK: 5.5km (3.4 miles)

TYPE OF WALK: circular, pram/buggy friendly, easy going, muddy sections in wet weather

PARKING: Free parking at Upperdale Car Park. Click here for Google Maps location, postcode SK17 8SZ. There is also free roadside parking further along towards Cressbrook village. Please respect local residents and park considerately.

WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Walking along the River Wye, listening to the echoes in the deep valley, walking through the tunnels on the Monsal Trail, breathtaking scenery across the dales.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this is a 2 hour walk. However, including a stop for a picnic lunch and time for the kids to play by the river, allow a good 3 hours.

ACCESSIBILTY: Two sets of five steps leading to a short and slightly rocky uphill path. Riverside path can get very muddy in wetter months. 

TOTAL ASCENT: 221 metres

FACILITIES: There are no toilets or eateries on this walk. The closest ice cream van and café (Hobb’s Café) is at Monsal Head, a mile away from Cressbrook.

1. With the Upperdale car park on your left, continue to walk along the road towards Cressbrook village for 600 metres. If you’ve parked further along in Cressbrook village start from step 2.

2. Just after Cressbrook Mill, look for the signpost for the concession footpath to Litton Mill (below photo on left). Turn left here and follow the footpath with the stone wall on your right and railings on your left. Follow the footpath for 80 metres.

3. Soon you’ll reach the River Wye and Water-cum-Jolly dale. With the weir on your left, follow the footpath to the right over a little wooden bridge. Here, you might see rock climbers attempting to scale the impressive limestone crags. Follow the riverside footpath through the deep valley, listening to the echoes of your voice and looking out for wildlife. The beginning of the path can get very muddy in wet weather but it improves further along.

4. When you reach a wooden gate, continue along the path following it to the right over a paved bridge and then left through the old Litton Mill buildings. After 200 metres you will reach the road.

5. Walk along the road for 50 metres and turn left next to the sewage pumping station, following the footpath signposted ‘Monsal Trail to Millers Dale’. The footpath crosses the river over a bridge.

6. The route now climbs up along a slightly rocky, woodland path onto the Monsal Trail. If you have a buggy, you may need a lift up five concrete steps followed by a further set of five wooden steps.  The path hairpins to the right and continues uphill for 100 metres until you reach the Monsal Trail. At the top, there’s a conveniently placed bench for a rest and even a bite to eat.

7. Turn left and follow the trail signposted to Bakewell. Stay on the trail for 2.2 km, walking through both the Litton Tunnel and the Cressbrook Tunnel. Both tunnels are about 400 metres long and well lit. In between the two tunnels, you’ll find the most stunning views across the undulating hillside and down over the valley and river where you’ve just walked from.

8. 750 metres on from the exit of Cressbrook Tunnel, you will walk alongside an old disused platform on your right. Just past this is a disused brick building. Turn right in front of the brick building, leaving the trail, and follow the footpath downhill and under the bridge.

9. Continue for 300 metres, crossing the bridge over the River Wye until you reach the road.

10. Turn left at the junction and follow the road back to your parking spot.

After your walk

Once you’re in the car and on your way again, perhaps stop at Monsal Head for an ice cream with a view. Monsal Head Ices is less than 1 mile from the walk start/finish point and overlooks the Monsal Dale Viaduct. Here you will also find Hobb’s Cafe and Monsal Head Hotel & Bar, if you’re looking for something more substantial.

This is also the starting point of our Monsal Head walk should you fancy another short walk.