Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walk

Chee Dale Stepping Stones are one of the Peak District’s hidden gems, tucked away along the River Wye near Millers Dale. A must-see for explorers around Miller’s Dale, Buxton, Tideswell, and The Monsal Trail.

Start the walk at Miller’s Dale car park and go through the gate at the far end onto the Monsal Trail.

Keep going straight along the monsal trail and appreciate the old east Buxton lime kiln that used to produce quicklime for easy transportation at the now discontinued Millers Dale station.

When you reach the viaduct bridge, which goes into Chee Tor tunnel, turn off to the right down to the River Wye. There is a signpost pointing to Chee Dale and information board about wildlife you can expect to see.

Once you’re down the steps below the viaduct, turn right and follow the river towards Chee Dale.

You’ll soon come into grasslands approaching the start of the dale.

Shortly after, you have the option to go to Blackwell over the bridge on your left and Wormhill on your right, which are used as alternative routes when Chee Dale is flooded.

Go straight ahead in the picture above with the Chee Dale sign and planked footpath.

The path will split but you can go either way. Both lead to a more narrow stream with rocks and a path with giant roots sticking out. Just keep following the path until you get to the bridge bending to the left.

Cross the bridge and follow the woodlands path towards the stepping stones.

You’ll encounter a few times where you have to go down some polished silver stones embedded into the ground. It’s not quite a scramble but you may need to take it slow as the gap between stones can be a foot and they may be more slippery after rain.

This takes you down further into the dale where there are some collapsed trees. The path within Chee Dale is pretty linear so just keep following it along.

When you get to the the giant limestone rock face on your right, the stepping stones are just ahead. Watch out for climbing scaling these rocks.

Cross the Chee Dale stepping stones around the limestone rock. Depending on the season, the water levels below the stepping stones can mostly dry up or submerge them but if they’re still visible there’s no more than a foot of water surrounding them. Unless there’s a long period period of rain they are usually suitable to walk over. It’s fairly popular spot so you may encounter someone trying to cross from the other direction. If you can see them before the stepping stones, wait for them to pass through as there isn’t much room for two people. But if you do clash in the middle, simply turn sideways to face the River Wye so you can side step around each other.

Continue on across the bridge ahead and go right under the viaduct.

Shortly afterwards, the path splits. Head the the steep dirt path, which is admittedly a bit of a scramble but there are rocks in the ground to help with balance.

Note: The other path going straight on may also take you to Miller’s Dale based on the signpost once you get up onto the Monsal Trail above.

At the top of the slope, follow the fence to the left onto the Monsal Trail. Turn right and go through the Chee Tor tunnel entrance.