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Cales Dale

Valley in Derbyshire Derbyshire Dales

England

Cales Dale

Arbor Low henge - flat stones One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The stone circle itself originally comprised 41-43 upright limestone slabs, with some further stones at the centre representing a burial chamber (more than one burial was found during excavations at the site). The stones have at some time in the past been laid flat on the ground. An interpretation board on site attributes this to mediaeval superstition or religious persecution, but someone we met on site who seemed to know it well said he believed it was a more recent (19th century?) action.
Arbor Low henge - flat stones Credit: Stephen Craven

Cales Dale is a picturesque valley located in the heart of Derbyshire, England. Nestled within the stunning Peak District National Park, this hidden gem offers visitors a tranquil and idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, Cales Dale is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The valley is carved by the crystal-clear waters of the River Derwent, which meander through the landscape, adding to its charm. The river is flanked by towering limestone cliffs, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop.

Visitors to Cales Dale can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species of wildflowers, birds, and butterflies. Exploring the well-maintained trails that wind through the valley provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature's wonders.

In addition to its natural beauty, Cales Dale also boasts a rich history. The valley is dotted with remnants of its industrial past, including ancient lead mines and mill ruins. These historical sites provide a glimpse into the area's fascinating past and offer a unique insight into Derbyshire's heritage.

Cales Dale is a haven for those seeking peace and tranquility in a breathtaking natural setting. Whether you choose to hike along its winding trails, admire its stunning views, or simply relax by the riverbank, this hidden valley is sure to captivate and enchant all who visit.

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Cales Dale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.179994/-1.7454592 or Grid Reference SK1764. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Arbor Low henge - flat stones One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The stone circle itself originally comprised 41-43 upright limestone slabs, with some further stones at the centre representing a burial chamber (more than one burial was found during excavations at the site). The stones have at some time in the past been laid flat on the ground. An interpretation board on site attributes this to mediaeval superstition or religious persecution, but someone we met on site who seemed to know it well said he believed it was a more recent (19th century?) action.
Arbor Low henge - flat stones
One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The stone circle itself originally comprised 41-43 upright limestone slabs, with some further stones at the centre representing a burial chamber (more than one burial was found during excavations at the site). The stones have at some time in the past been laid flat on the ground. An interpretation board on site attributes this to mediaeval superstition or religious persecution, but someone we met on site who seemed to know it well said he believed it was a more recent (19th century?) action.
Arbor Low henge - ditch and bank One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The ditch and bank are seen here from the top of the bank. The site was fully excavated c.1902, so the exact profile of the bank is probably not original.
Arbor Low henge - ditch and bank
One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The ditch and bank are seen here from the top of the bank. The site was fully excavated c.1902, so the exact profile of the bank is probably not original.
Arbor Low henge - VR boundary stone The boundary stones around the henge are not ancient, but were added around the time the site was excavated c.1902 (at the end of the Victorian era). Some of them therefore have the initials VR, and some GR, for Victoria and her successor King George.
Arbor Low henge - VR boundary stone
The boundary stones around the henge are not ancient, but were added around the time the site was excavated c.1902 (at the end of the Victorian era). Some of them therefore have the initials VR, and some GR, for Victoria and her successor King George.
Field scabious Flowers growing on the bank of Arbor Low henge.
Field scabious
Flowers growing on the bank of Arbor Low henge.
Approaching the entrance to Arbor Low henge The elliptical henge originally had two opposite entrances, but this is the one used by visitors approaching on the permitted route through Upper Oldhams Farm.
Approaching the entrance to Arbor Low henge
The elliptical henge originally had two opposite entrances, but this is the one used by visitors approaching on the permitted route through Upper Oldhams Farm.
View from Arbor Low towards Gib Hill Gib Hill is a burial mound or barrow, somewhat camouflaged in this view against a distant hill (roughly in the centre of the picture, a bit to the left of the cow in the foreground). The two sites are believed to be associated but are separately scheduled.
View from Arbor Low towards Gib Hill
Gib Hill is a burial mound or barrow, somewhat camouflaged in this view against a distant hill (roughly in the centre of the picture, a bit to the left of the cow in the foreground). The two sites are believed to be associated but are separately scheduled.
Upper Oldhams Farm A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Upper Oldhams Farm
A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Track to Upper Oldhams Farm A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Track to Upper Oldhams Farm
A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Signs to Arbor Low and Upper Oldhams A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge, and the English Heritage car park is part way up this track.
Signs to Arbor Low and Upper Oldhams
A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge, and the English Heritage car park is part way up this track.
Minor road below Arbor Low Note the rosebay-willowherb growing in the verge. This plant seems to be generally less abundant than it was when I was young, but we saw quite a bit of it in Derbyshire on this occasion.
Minor road below Arbor Low
Note the rosebay-willowherb growing in the verge. This plant seems to be generally less abundant than it was when I was young, but we saw quite a bit of it in Derbyshire on this occasion.
Slurry spreading The older practice of throwing slurry out of the top of a tanker has been replaced by spreading it evenly through a row of tubes on the back of the tanker. It still attracts the birds.
Slurry spreading
The older practice of throwing slurry out of the top of a tanker has been replaced by spreading it evenly through a row of tubes on the back of the tanker. It still attracts the birds.
A long wall This dry stone wall continues for 280 metres in a straight line, not unusual for this part of Derbyshire.
A long wall
This dry stone wall continues for 280 metres in a straight line, not unusual for this part of Derbyshire.
Ricklow Dale Path leaving Ricklow Quarry
Ricklow Dale
Path leaving Ricklow Quarry
Farm Buildings near Haddon Grove Farm Taken from footpath on northern edge of Lathkill Dale
Farm Buildings near Haddon Grove Farm
Taken from footpath on northern edge of Lathkill Dale
Lathkill Dale Looking west from the northern edge of Lathkill Dale
Lathkill Dale
Looking west from the northern edge of Lathkill Dale
One Ash Grange Farm Not sure what these are for. Some old cattle feeders?
One Ash Grange Farm
Not sure what these are for. Some old cattle feeders?
Fern Dale Near Monyash
Fern Dale
Near Monyash
Dandelion clocks Dandelion clocks are in an abundance in these fields beside the Limestone Way near Monyash.
Dandelion clocks
Dandelion clocks are in an abundance in these fields beside the Limestone Way near Monyash.
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Cales Dale is located at Grid Ref: SK1764 (Lat: 53.179994, Lng: -1.7454592)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: Derbyshire Dales

Police Authority: Derbyshire

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Located within 500m of 53.179994,-1.7454592
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 53.1840672/-1.7475182
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Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 53.1825302/-1.7484286
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Barrier: cattle_grid
Lat/Long: 53.1774935/-1.7487706
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Power: pole
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Lat/Long: 53.182801/-1.7482228
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Lat/Long: 53.183151/-1.7499021
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Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1810208/-1.7394604
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Lat/Long: 53.1813667/-1.7411503
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Lat/Long: 53.181608/-1.7422927
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Lat/Long: 53.1821293/-1.7448371
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Lat/Long: 53.1823909/-1.7461402
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