Autumn in the Peaks Day Walk - Monsal Head
10 people attending
10 places left
NOTE: This is the alternative version of the original walk, which has had to be changed to the one below due to Covid restrictions. It has a different starting point, so please check the details below and go to the correct location on the day! Please arrive by 10:15am to set off at 10:30am.
A leisurely 9 mile walk through six limestone dales, woodland and open countryside in the Peak District.
The walk starts at Monsal Head with picturesque views of the Wye Valley and the Headstone Viaduct, which is now part of the Monsal Trail. The viaduct were built in 1863 by the Midland Railway Company and were once a busy commuter route between Manchester and London.
Walk Features:
- Headstone Viaduct
- Monsal Dale and River Wye
- High Dale
- Tideswell Dale
- Litton Village
- Tansley Dale
- Cressbrook Dale
- Cressbrook Mill originally a cotton mill built for Sir Richard Arkwright
- Water-cum-Jolly Dale
Your First ODL Walk Event?
Attending your first event with OutdoorLads might feel daunting. What will happen, who will be there, and what can you expect?
We know that new members in particular like to know in advance more about what an OutdoorLads event will be like.
If this is your first ODL event, you should check out the information designed specifically for you on the My First Event page on the ODL website.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste and/or smell.
- You may be subject to local lockdown restrictions, which you must fully comply with. Details of the location of these restrictions can be found here for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- We do not encourage car sharing to events during the pandemic. Please comply with the safety travel guidance for England, Wales, and Scotland. Face coverings should be worn on public transport.
- OutdoorLads will support the tracing systems in place across the UK and attendance at an OutdoorLads event is considered permission to use contact details for this purpose if requested by the appropriate authority.
- All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop. Remember: Face, Hands, Space.
- Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
- Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. Please bring any other PPE items required. Bring a disposable bag for any used PPE.
- Members are advised to bring their own small first aid kit for personal use..
- Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
- Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
- Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!
COVID-19: Events Participation Statement
OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.
Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts, do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge. Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.
By signing up to and attending an OutdoorLads event, you are confirming that you have read, understood and accept the content of this statement.
Please see our website for more information including an FAQ about our events.
Image credits: All images provided by the Liam Russell and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for their use.
What to bring
It will be mid-autumn in the Peak District, so wrap up warm and wear windproof, waterproof clothing.
At this time of year it can be quite wet and muddy underfoot after rain, so you'll need decent boots.
Note that this is only a guide and you will need to consider the weather forecast closer to the weekend.
If you're unsure about any of the items in the standard kit list, please contact the event leader.
Boots: Hiking boots are the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. You should make sure that your boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support.
Socks: Good walking socks are essential to keep the feet warm and dry, and to prevent the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking may become waterlogged, or damaged, which will in turn blister your feet.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be windproof and made of a rip stop material that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. Ideally, they should also be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans should be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. You should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable to avoid sweating too much.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a cotton t-shirt would suffice.
Mid Layer: A mid-layer goes on top of the base layer and ideally should be made from a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby jersey style thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers quickly to adapt to changes in the weather, as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and you should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will need when hiking. You should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable - although not cheap, a good quality Gore-tex jacket is a sensible investment.
Hat and Gloves: a decent beanie hat and waterproof gloves are essential for walking at this time of the year.
Please feel free to message me if your unsure about the kit list.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch, plenty of water and maybe a hot drink. It might be a good idea to bring a snack like a handful of nuts and or dried fruit too.
Remember a face mask, hand sanitiser, and please no sharing of food, snacks or sweets, difficult as it is!