All our party arrived at the Monsal Dale railway station car park at pretty much the same time as planned ie 10.30am.
Monsal Dale railway station was opened in 1866 by the Midland Railway on its line from Rowsley, extending the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway.
The station closed to regular passenger traffic in 1959 but continued to be used by occasional ramblers specials and excursions until April 1961. Trains continued to pass through the station until 1968 when the line was closed.
Today this section of line forms part of the Monsal Trail, an 8.5-mile (13.7 km) walk and cycleway. The down platform edge can still be seen, but nothing remains of the up platform or timber buildings. The tunnels were re-opened in 2011, and the previous path diversions over the river via a permissive path by Cressbrook Mill are still available.
After a bit of a natter we set off on the first part of our walk towards Litton Mill.
Generally speaking it's all ups and downs walking in this part of the world which keeps the walk interesting so it's not so noticeable.
Further on we pass small cottages which are now holiday lets.
In the distance you can see the viaducts at Millers Dale comprising a wrought iron Grade Two* superstructure of three segmental arches and spandrels. In 1905, conflicting freight and passenger trains forced the Midland to erect a second viaduct alongside it.
The five-span viaduct at Monsal Dale - 100 yards long and 70 feet high - is a product of rubble limestone with blue brick dressings. It suffered some slippage in its early years and extensive remedial works, in gritstone and red brick, took place in 1904/5. Though it remains a striking feature, this hotchpotch of materials blights its appearance at close quarters.
The local church, now often locked with only limited opening times as most of the former mill workers have left the village.
Coming off the road, on the track down to Litton Mill. 
Walking past the Anglers Rest.
Miller’s Dale Meal Mill closed in the 1920s and remained derelict until it was demolished some fifty years later, to allow for the sinking of a borehole to supply water to the Chapel-en-le-Frith area. Stone from the original walls was used to house the bore-hole and its machinery. The 150 year old water wheel was restored and placed adjacent to the pumping station.
On we go, in the River Wye we can see brown trout.
Climbing Raven Tor (Miller's Dale)
We come across some younger walkers looking for directions and one of our walkers who is very familiar with the area gives a detailed guide as to where they need to go.
Leaving the lane at Ravenstore we turned left and joined the path up Tideswell Dale.
Tideswell Dale, which leads down to Litton Mill from Tideswell is a Derbyshire Wildlife Nature Reserve.
One of our walker's mum used to cycle this track to work at the mill in Litton, great going but uphill all the way back.
Stopping for a comfort break before continuing uphill to Tideswell.
Carvings on old tree trunks and information on the geological and archaeological interest in the dale.
Managing the environment with a milk pay back?
Not far now, just round the corner.
On the way into the village one of our walkers showed us the house where she was born.
After great tales of Tideswell over lunch outside the local pub, the Jockey and Horse, we did a guided tour of the village.
Looks like cows are walking on top of the roof - how strange!
Another of our walkers outside the house where he was born.
St John the Baptist church.
And the church where our two locals were married, ahh.
Still a bit dewy eyed with all the nostalgia, we set off out of Tideswell towards Monksdale House with glorious views of the dales on all sides.
Locals tell the story of a cow that got its head stuck between the lower bars of a five bar gate. In order to release the cow, villagers cut its head off creating food for all and saving the cost of replacing the gate.
The views were stunning.
We haven't mentioned the weather yet but as you can see it was perfect.
Turning left at Monksdale House we set off down Limestone Way back to Millers Dale.
Taking a break. In the distance we can see Worm Hill.
The photos say it all.
Making our way down to Millers Dale.
Fungi, not sure of the name.
Better to walk rather than cycle down this path apparently.
Through a farm yard and back into Millers Dale.
Under the viaducts.
At the car park at Millers Dale station and a welcome ice cream to cool us down.
On the way from Millers Dale we stopped at the village of Hartington, calling in at the Old Cheese Shop for a taste of the local cheese.
Just chilling!
Then off to our final destination the The Okeover Arms, Mappleton for dinner already booked and waiting for us.
This final picture that says it all, lovely walk, smashing company, weather was wonderful and the meal crack on.
We will be back.
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