15th May 2018

Walk: Cales Dale, Fern Dale, Lathkill Dale, Meadow Place Grange, Moor Lane
Start Point: Lay-by on Moor Lane Grid Reference: SK 193 645
Distance: 8.5 miles Ascent: 860 feet
Time: 5 hours
Weather: Sunny and hot
Comments:

Lathkill Dale is one of the country's finest limestone valleys and having done it many years ago I had always wanted to do it again.
It derives its name from the Norse Hlatha-ghyll, meaning 'born in a narrow valley'. The valley is dry and narrow initially but widens out after the water emerges and the river begins to grow.

Early purple orchid

The climb out of Cales Dale . . .

is quite a gradual one

Taking a closer look inside an archway . . .

we are surprised to find Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus

Pat relaxes at our elevenses stop

Heading into Lathkill Dale . . .

the terrain changes constantly . . .

and there is a feast of new growth . . .

of various shape and colour

I loved the play of light and shade

Further down the Dale . . .

as the path . . .

and surrounds . . .

continue to change

Looking back up the Dale

Near the entrance to the cave . . .

the water starts to emerge . . . .

making its own way . . .

growing in size . . .

to flow beneath the footbridge

As it becomes wider . . .

we spot a lone duck

First waterfall in the Dale

Old millstone

The mill dam . . .

parts the water . . .

which eventually reaches a picturesque bridge

Double headed cow?!?!

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