Millers Dale
Place Description
Part of the valley of the River Wye (between Wye Dale and Monsal Dale) with river, riverside vegetation, old quarry workings on sides of dale (Derbyshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves), woodland (including hazel coppice), disused railway line (Monsal Trail) and station with eccentric vegetation. Access to Monksdale (and thence to Dam Dale) and Flag Dale (to north) as well as Chee and Wye Dale (west) and Monsal Dale (east).
While the station and Monsal Trail are easily accessible even for wheelchairs, the nature reserves on the Cliffside are very steep and quite hazardous for walking in wet weather!
Wildlife Description:
The Monsal Trail and station (navigable by wheelchair) host numerous eccentric plants including Jacobs Ladder. The quarried side of the Dale has a large variety of orchids as well as other limestone and lead-loving vegetation with the associated insects, typical of the dales.
Habitat:
Directions:
B6049 from Tideswell to Buxton - the old station (with parking) is on a sharp right turn at the end of the village travelling in the direction of Buxton (not well signed) but is also an easy walk from Tideswell or a longer walk from Bakewell; the trail to the west (Buxton) is not easy and often flooded in winter ...
Best Time to Visit:
Spring-early summer for orchids; summer for insects.