Peak Experience

Over 3,000 metres of caves are known in this deep limestone gorge.  The River Derwent cut down into Monsal Dale limestone in at least four stages, ‘pausing’ and creating a different cave system whenever the water reached a layer of less permeable rock. 

 

Looking up at dramatic Castle Rock you can see layers (which geologists call ‘beds’) in the limestone.  These were caused by changes in the sea while the rock was being laid down 350 million years ago.

 

Waterfall Swallet provides another example of the strange disappearing rivers of the limestone Peak.  Because limestone cracks easily and has many fissures in it, water slips through, so rivers and streams disappear from view.  At Waterfall Swallet, the water disappears into potholes underground, before reappearing near Stoney Middleton village.

 

A picture of Castle Rock, Stoney Middleton Dale A picture of Waterfall Swallet, Stoney Middleton Dale A picture of Remains of past industries, Stoney Middleton Dale

 

Nearby Stoney Middleton village has a thermal spring.  You can discover traces of historic quarrying, limekilns and mining throughout the area.

 

There is limited parking on the A623 by Rockwell Business Park and at Furness Quarry.  Refreshments and toilets in Stoney Middleton village.

 

Explore Stoney Middleton Dale with the Peak District National Park Authority walking trail.