Day 42: Ilam to Chelmorton

A beautiful day in the Peak District, climbing up through valleys and walking along cycle tracks. 

• Date: 1 May 2024
• Start: Ilam
• End: Chelmorton
• Miles: 18.1
• Total miles: 539.5
• Accommodation: Kieren and Amy’s House

It was very warm when I left Ilam this morning, venturing towards Dovedale. 

I was surprised how quiet Dovedale was this morning, although that reason became clear once I saw the sign that said the stepping stones were closed. Although they seemed pretty intact when I went by them. 

I then headed up the first valley to Milldale.

I bumped into my old friends on the way up the second valley, giving them a little clap as I walked by. 

The entrance to the third valley was a bit flooded and needed some careful stepping over stones to not get my feet soggy. 

I then arrived in the village of Biggin, where I had intended to eat in the pub, but it was closed when I arrived so sadly I had to plough on in hunger. 

I joined the Pennine Bridleway (different to the Pennine Way), which runs along the Tissington Trail, a cycle path running through the Peak District, and stopped for lunch at a cafe. 

I reached my end point for the day, a pub in the village of Chelmorton. I waited for my brother to come and pick me up and take me back to his house where I’ll be staying the next two nights, with a rest day tomorrow.