Conksbury Miles without Stiles

Conksbury Miles without Stiles is a level out-and-back from the disabled parking space above medieval Conksbury Bridge. The park lists 510 m each way, about 1.02 km (0.63 mi) round trip, on a surfaced, compacted-limestone path beside the River Lathkill. It is classified as Access for All. Allow about 20 minutes. Turn around where the firm surface ends and return by the same path; this is a short river visit, not a walk deeper into Lathkill Dale.

A gate sits at the start and another partway along; livestock graze the surrounding land. Dippers and other waterbirds frequent the river’s weirs, built to encourage fish breeding. Across the water, earthworks on the plateau mark the deserted settlement of Conksbury, recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. A Vickers Wellington crashed nearby in 1941 after losing its way back from a mission; the crew had already bailed out.

The route begins at the disabled parking space just above the bridge. It is reserved for Blue Badge holders and fits one or two cars; other roadside parking is farther up the steep hill toward Bakewell. There are no seats or picnic tables in the dale; food, toilets and drinking water were not identified at the walk. Over Haddon and Youlgreave are the nearest listed facilities. Dogs may join, but keep them under control around livestock and leave gates as you found them.