Great Rocks Dale

Valley in Derbyshire High Peak

England

Great Rocks Dale

Looking down on Chee Dale and the Monsal Trail
Looking down on Chee Dale and the Monsal Trail Credit: Peter Moore

Great Rocks Dale is a picturesque valley located in Derbyshire, England. Situated near the town of Chapel-en-le-Frith, it is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich geological significance. The dale is carved out by the River Goyt, which meanders through the valley, creating a diverse landscape of rugged cliffs, lush green meadows, and dense woodland.

One of the main attractions of Great Rocks Dale is the impressive rock formations that give the valley its name. Towering limestone cliffs, some reaching up to 100 feet in height, dominate the landscape and provide a haven for rock climbers and hikers alike. The rocks are a result of millions of years of erosion and geological activity, creating a unique and dramatic setting.

The valley is also home to an abundance of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, such as peregrine falcons and buzzards, soaring above the cliffs, while the river is home to otters and trout. The woodlands surrounding the dale are filled with wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the landscape throughout the year.

Great Rocks Dale offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The valley is crisscrossed by numerous walking trails, providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding countryside. The cliffs are a popular destination for rock climbing, with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. Additionally, the river is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking.

In summary, Great Rocks Dale is a stunning valley in Derbyshire, offering breathtaking natural beauty, impressive rock formations, and a diverse range of outdoor activities. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in the region.

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Great Rocks Dale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.256322/-1.8409685 or Grid Reference SK1073. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking down on Chee Dale and the Monsal Trail
Looking down on Chee Dale and the Monsal Trail
Tunstead Works (Quarry) near Buxton The largest quarry complex in the UK.
Tunstead Works (Quarry) near Buxton
The largest quarry complex in the UK.
Tunstead Works (Quarry) near Buxton
Tunstead Works (Quarry) near Buxton
Path leading east from Tunstead village
Path leading east from Tunstead village
Chee Tor Railway Tunnels The east portal of No.2 tunnel from inside No.1 Tunnel on the now Monsal Trail. Between the tunnels the former railway is on a viaduct above the River Wye
Chee Tor Railway Tunnels
The east portal of No.2 tunnel from inside No.1 Tunnel on the now Monsal Trail. Between the tunnels the former railway is on a viaduct above the River Wye
Chee Tor Railway Tunnels The west portal of No.2 tunnel with a glimpse of No.1 tunnel beyond on the Monsal Trail
Chee Tor Railway Tunnels
The west portal of No.2 tunnel with a glimpse of No.1 tunnel beyond on the Monsal Trail
Chee Dale On the footpath by the River Wye under Chee Tor
Chee Dale
On the footpath by the River Wye under Chee Tor
Rusher Cutting Tunnel The west portal of the former railway tunnel now on the Monsal Trail
Rusher Cutting Tunnel
The west portal of the former railway tunnel now on the Monsal Trail
Deck of Railway Viaduct Near the end of the Monsal Trail along the former railway at the head of Chee Dale. The viaduct crosses the River Wye
Deck of Railway Viaduct
Near the end of the Monsal Trail along the former railway at the head of Chee Dale. The viaduct crosses the River Wye
Chee Dale Stepping Stones The path along the River Wye south of the Monsal Trail
Chee Dale Stepping Stones
The path along the River Wye south of the Monsal Trail
Footbridge over River Wye Just north of the Chee Tor railway viaduct
Footbridge over River Wye
Just north of the Chee Tor railway viaduct
The Monsal Trail, Chee Dale The series of viaducts and tunnels required to carry the former Midland Railway main line from Derby to Manchester up the valley of the River Wye have been opened to the public as The Monsal Trail.
In the background is Chee Tor No.2 Tunnel (94 yards) and beyond it the entrance to Chee Tor No.1 Tunnel (401 yards), between the tunnels is Chee Tor Bridge (not visible in this photograph) over the River Wye.
The Monsal Trail, Chee Dale
The series of viaducts and tunnels required to carry the former Midland Railway main line from Derby to Manchester up the valley of the River Wye have been opened to the public as The Monsal Trail. In the background is Chee Tor No.2 Tunnel (94 yards) and beyond it the entrance to Chee Tor No.1 Tunnel (401 yards), between the tunnels is Chee Tor Bridge (not visible in this photograph) over the River Wye.
A6, Wye Valley The A6 is Britain's fourth longest road and one of the main historic north-south roads in England. It currently runs for 299 miles from Luton in Bedfordshire to Carlisle in Cumbria, although it formerly started at a junction with the A1 at Barnet.

Running north west from Luton, the road travels through Bedford, bypasses Rushden, Kettering and Market Harborough, continues through Leicester, Loughborough, Derby and Matlock before going through the Peak District to Bakewell, Buxton, Stockport, Manchester, Salford, Pendleton, Irlams o' th' Height, Pendlebury, Swinton, Walkden, Little Hulton, Bolton, Chorley, Preston, Lancaster, Kendal and Penrith before reaching Carlisle.

See <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A6_road_(England)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A6_road_(England)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> (Wikipedia) and <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A6" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A6">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> (SABRE) for more information.
A6, Wye Valley
The A6 is Britain's fourth longest road and one of the main historic north-south roads in England. It currently runs for 299 miles from Luton in Bedfordshire to Carlisle in Cumbria, although it formerly started at a junction with the A1 at Barnet. Running north west from Luton, the road travels through Bedford, bypasses Rushden, Kettering and Market Harborough, continues through Leicester, Loughborough, Derby and Matlock before going through the Peak District to Bakewell, Buxton, Stockport, Manchester, Salford, Pendleton, Irlams o' th' Height, Pendlebury, Swinton, Walkden, Little Hulton, Bolton, Chorley, Preston, Lancaster, Kendal and Penrith before reaching Carlisle. See LinkExternal link (Wikipedia) and LinkExternal link (SABRE) for more information.
Railway Bridge over the A6, Wye Dale Part of a long viaduct over the valley.
Railway Bridge over the A6, Wye Dale
Part of a long viaduct over the valley.
A6 near Calton Hill The A6 is Britain's fourth longest road and one of the main historic north-south roads in England. It currently runs for 299 miles from Luton in Bedfordshire to Carlisle in Cumbria, although it formerly started at a junction with the A1 at Barnet.

Running north west from Luton, the road travels through Bedford, bypasses Rushden, Kettering and Market Harborough, continues through Leicester, Loughborough, Derby and Matlock before going through the Peak District to Bakewell, Buxton, Stockport, Manchester, Salford, Pendleton, Irlams o' th' Height, Pendlebury, Swinton, Walkden, Little Hulton, Bolton, Chorley, Preston, Lancaster, Kendal and Penrith before reaching Carlisle.

See <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A6_road_(England)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A6_road_(England)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> (Wikipedia) and <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A6" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A6">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> (SABRE) for more information.
A6 near Calton Hill
The A6 is Britain's fourth longest road and one of the main historic north-south roads in England. It currently runs for 299 miles from Luton in Bedfordshire to Carlisle in Cumbria, although it formerly started at a junction with the A1 at Barnet. Running north west from Luton, the road travels through Bedford, bypasses Rushden, Kettering and Market Harborough, continues through Leicester, Loughborough, Derby and Matlock before going through the Peak District to Bakewell, Buxton, Stockport, Manchester, Salford, Pendleton, Irlams o' th' Height, Pendlebury, Swinton, Walkden, Little Hulton, Bolton, Chorley, Preston, Lancaster, Kendal and Penrith before reaching Carlisle. See LinkExternal link (Wikipedia) and LinkExternal link (SABRE) for more information.
Chee Dale Layby on the A6
Chee Dale Layby on the A6
Chee Tor tunnel
Chee Tor tunnel
Monsal trail
Monsal trail
Show me another place!

Great Rocks Dale is located at Grid Ref: SK1073 (Lat: 53.256322, Lng: -1.8409685)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: High Peak

Police Authority: Derbyshire

What 3 Words

///claw.decimal.teaching. Near Buxton, Derbyshire

Nearby Locations

Great Rocks Dale Old Moor

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.256322,-1.8409685
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.2587929/-1.846384
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.2584841/-1.8459025
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.2586477/-1.8461546
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.258261/-1.8455136
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.2589149/-1.8465744
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.2580709/-1.8451622
Railway: buffer_stop
Lat/Long: 53.2579169/-1.8448591
Railway: buffer_stop
Lat/Long: 53.2588314/-1.8459803
Railway: switch
Lat/Long: 53.2582354/-1.8454175
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Source: survey;gps
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 53.252025/-1.841912
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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