Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walk (Circular) Short & Long Routes

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Explore the charming Chee Dale Stepping Stones along the River Wye, a popular destination in the Peak District National Park.

This guide covers both short and long routes, perfect for hikers of all ages and experience levels, offering unique and enchanting experiences.

Whether you choose the direct 1.97-mile trail or the scenic 3.19-mile circular route, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your adventure.

So lace up your hiking boots, and let’s start exploring the Chee Dale Stepping Stones!

Getting to Chee Dale Stepping Stones

Chee Dale and the stepping stones are best accessed by car, followed by a short hike. However, if you need public transport, buses run every few hours.

Chee Dale Stepping Stones – By Car & Parking

By car, you have two main paid Car Parks and free laybys where cars also park:

1. Millers Dale Car Park – Peak District NP (///serves.vibrate.ribcage)

Miller Dale is the most popular car park where most people access the Mosal trail and head to Chee dale, stepping stones from where this article will start.

The car park is located on the site of an old railway station, but be aware that parking spaces are limited.

2. Wyedale Car Park – Peak District NP (///emblem.calibrate.meanest)

Wyedale Car Park has fewer amenities but can be a good alternative if Millers Dale’s car park is full. The cost is the same for both car parks.

3. Layby or on the Road Side

As car parks can get busy, especially during nice weather, you might need to park along the road to access the route.

Here are a couple of options:

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These spots seemed okay, and I saw many cars parked here, but park at your own discretion. There will be a short walk from here to the starting point.

Public transport to Chee Dale Stepping Stones

If using public transport to Chee Dale, the options are limited.

However, Bus 65 from Buxton, operated by StageCoach Yorkshire, runs every 2 hours. The 20-minute journey takes you near Millers Dale Car Park, with a 5-minute walk to the starting point.

Chee Dale Stepping Stones Walking Map & Routes

🟠 Intermediate  | 🚶‍♂️ 5 km (3.19 mi) | ⛰️ Total ascent: 143 m (469 ft) | ⏱️ 1.5-2 Hrs

This route initially follows the Monsal trail before veering off to track the river, crossing two sets of stepping stones. The path then rejoins the Monsal trail for the return journey to the car park.

⚠️ NOTE: Be advised the stepping stones and the path to reach it follows a significant river as well as small and tight tracks, which can be effect by heavy rains, mud, and overgrown vegetation, so bring appropriate footwear and plan around the weather.

OS Maps Route

All Trails Route

Komoot Route

Which hiking map app should I use?  I recommend OS Maps Online for its unparalleled accuracy. However, if you’re a beginner, you might find AllTrails to be more user-friendly. For a detailed review of the best UK map apps, read my full review.

You have two main options for reaching the stepping stones, one more direct and this which follows the river creating a curricular walk. 

Chee Dale Stepping Stones (Circular) – 5KM (3.19MI) ~ 1.5-2hrs

1. Start from Millers Dale Car Park and follow the trail path along the treelined route.

2. En route to a popular abseiling bridge, you’ll pass an old building used as a lime kiln. You can even pop inside to go to the top to see what it looks like.

2. Upon reaching the bridge, take the path on the right, which descends to the river level. Be cautious, as the terrain can be muddy and slippery here.

3. Continue along the river, ignoring the first bridge crossing. Continue until you find a smaller bridge crossing on your left.

4. Cross the small bridge, followed by a minor scramble down a section of rocks.

5. Keep following the path, which is a popular spot for climbing on a clear day. Be aware of climbers and their equipment.

6. A short distance ahead, you’ll encounter the first set of Chee Dale stepping stones! This section may be a good spot to stop for lunch.

7. Continue along the path until you come to a junction with a bridge and a path leading uphill, which rejoins the Monsal trail. You can either return here or continue to the second stepping stones to rejoin the trail later.

8. If you choose the latter, look for a staircase next to the bridge later on the path. This leads back to the flat Monsal Trail. This section was quite overgrown for us!

9. Rejoin the trail and follow it back to Millers Dale Car Park. The route passes through several old railway tunnels and retraces a small section of your previous path from the bridge.

Chee Dale Stepping Stones (Direct) – 3.17 KM (1.97 MI) ~ 1 hr

This is a more direct and level route, mainly following the Mosal trail until the detour down to the stepping stones. It’s a quicker alternative to the circular route, but a little less adventurous.

OS Maps Route

All Trails Route

Komoot Route

1. Begin at Millers Dale Car Park and proceed along the path, passing by an old lime kiln.

2. As you continue, you’ll traverse a bridge and tunnel.

3. Upon reaching the end of the long tunnel, spot a path on your left that descends towards the river.

4. When you arrive at the river level, do not cross the bridge. Instead, follow the path in the opposite direction until you reach the stepping stones.

5. Once you’ve enjoyed the stepping stones, retrace your steps back to Millers Dale Car Park to complete the route.

Best Time to Visit Chee Dale Stepping Stones & Additional Tips

The best time to visit Chee Dale Stepping Stones is during the summer. This is due to the path near the stepping stones often being muddy and the river levels potentially high. It’s advisable to plan ahead to avoid periods of bad weather.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that on pleasant summer days, both the trail and the car park can be quite crowded, and may even be full! So arrive early or far later in the afternoon.

Chee Dale Stepping Stones Amenities & Facilities

At Millers Dale Car Park, you’ll find a café named “The Refreshment Room,” as well as public toilets, which are free to use.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal post-hike, there’s a pub named “The Anglers Rest” just down the road from Millers Dale Car Park, offering a wide choice of meals and drinks. While I didn’t personally visit, it was highly rated.

Chee Dale Stepping Stones – FAQs