Peak Experience

You can explore many fascinating aspects of geology in Lathkill Dale.  Striking down through the Eyam then Monsal Dale limestones, most of this beautiful dale is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR).  Along the way, the steep valley reveals to us many signs of its mining and quarrying history.

 

A picture of lathkill dale A picture of a river A picture of the View from Sheepwash Bridge

 

Lead mineral mining has been a major Peak District industry since before the Roman invasion of Britain.  And lead galena has been the main variety.

 

Over the years, Lathkill Dale has seen several mining companies come and go – such as the Mandale Mine Company in the 1700s and the Lathkill Dale Mining Company in the 1800s.  You can still see the remains of a building that once housed a Cornish steam engine at the former Mandale Mine, beyond Monyash.  In a river nearby you will see the entrance to the mine drainage tunnel or sough (suff).  The tunnel is a mile long and took 30 years to build.

 

Ricklow quarry near Monyash is rich in limestone packed with fossil crinoids.  When cut and polished, this so-called ‘grey marble’ was once a popular decorative stone, used to embellish fire surrounds and windowsills.  So, while millions of years ago, these crinoids waved tentacles under the sea to catch plankton to eat, now the limestone in which they are preserved provides an attractive and durable doorstep at a local pub!

 

A picture of Grey marble used as a pub door step

 

There was even a rather over-optimistic gold rush in 1854–56.  It soon faded, when there proved to be little to find.  But you never know, you might be lucky…

 

Download Natural England's 2008 program of guided walks which feature routes in Lathkill Dale.

 

Lathkill Dale is rich in wildlife from meadow flowers to birds.  Find out more about the wild side of Lathkill Dale here.

 

Explore Lathkill Dale from the villages of Monyash to the west or Over Haddon to the east.  Parking, toilets and some refreshments at these villages.