🗺️ The route
Free to viewThis 8 mile loop has to be one of the prettiest walks in the Peak District with some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen. If you walk by the River Lathkill on a sunny day, you’ll think you’re abroad and the River Bradford has its own ‘swimming area’ which we’ve not seen in a river anywhere else in the UK.
What to expect
Lathkill Dale is a site of special scientific interest which means its protected and there’s no swimming allowed here but you can save that for Bradford Dale at the end of your walk. The majority of the route is pretty level apart from one set of really steep steps half way, the views from the top are worth it though.
A lot of birds can be seen on this route, even kingfishers on so look out for them, they’re bright blue but lighting fast.
Getting there & parking
Limited FREE lay-by parking – DE45 1LG. There’s also a small car park in Youlgreave and a pay & display car park on Moor Lane at the height of this route.
Good to know
Not on the route itself, but there are some nearby.
On lead only.
Expect riverside path, woodland trails underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 8.2 Miles
- 3-4 Hours
- Easy–Moderate
A beautiful 8 mile circular route following riverside paths, turquoise blue water and 2 of the prettiest dales in Derbyshire. A family friendly walk that everyone will love.
- Swimming Area
Step-by-step
- From the lay-by parking in Alport, head left and you'll see where the River Lathkill & the River Bradford meet.
- First head left alongside the River Lathkill.
- You will pass through a few fields before getting to a track, head right on this track to see the pretty weir and bridge before returning to this point and continuing along it.
- Shortly after you'll get to a quiet country lane, head right until just after the bridge, here you'll turn left and onto the Lathkill Dale.
- You'll walk riverside, pass a waterfall (it sometimes dries up in summer but you'll see where it should be)
- Continue until you see the next footbridge, head over this and into the woods.
- Choose the left fork footpath when you get the chance and head up the steep steps and into fields.
- Follow the path through fields, a little woodland and across a couple of country lanes and eventually it'll bring you down onto the Bradford Dale.
- Here you'll walk across a bridge, head left and follow the river.
- You'll pass the swimming area, walk through the village of Youlgreave and continue the same path which will bring you right back to your car in Alport.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Don’t forget your swimwear and a towel if you want to swim. The Lathkill Dale does flood after a continued period of heavy rain and the waterfall will run dry after weeks of no rain.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Our everyday pick We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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When the weather turns Ads wearsRevolutionRace Waterproof Jacket
Bright, fully waterproof shell for proper British weather. Ads' go-to in the orange.
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Room for a full day's food Char usesOsprey Skarab 30L
A comfortable day pack with a hydration sleeve for full days out.
