Six Dales Circuit from Biggin

The Biggin-started Six Dales Circuit is a 25.8-mile loop through Biggin, Wolfscote, Beresford, Lathkill, Bradford and Long Dales, returning to Biggin. It links the Dove and Lathkill valleys with villages, farm paths and lanes across the White Peak. Allow 11 to 12 hours. This is a strenuous all-day route; choose it for the variety and scale, not a quick valley walk.

Drury Lane drops from Biggin into Biggin Dale, where a grassy, sometimes stony track reaches the River Dove. The route follows the river through Wolfscote Dale, then crosses meadows and footbridges into Beresford Dale. A wooded stretch gives way to fields on the approach to Hartington. Beyond the village, expect more farm fields, lanes and stiles toward Monyash. Some of this middle ground is muddy or rocky underfoot. The two-mile High Peak Trail section is an easier, straighter break, though there is less to look at along it.

From Monyash, a footpath drops through a wooded disused quarry into Lathkill Dale. The route follows the river past caves and Lathkill Lodge to Conksbury Bridge. The low, multi-channel weir in Lathkill Dale is the best photo pause; the mapped route passes close to it. After Conksbury, field paths lead to a short riverside stretch in Bradford Dale, then climb to Middleton. The last leg crosses open countryside through Long Dale before returning to Biggin. Watch for old weirs and water channels in Bradford Dale, reminders of the dale's industrial past.

The organizer advertises the challenge route as 25 miles; the plotted route used here measures 25.8. Its published equipment list includes the White Peak OL24 map and a compass, a sensible cue for independent walkers to plan their route-finding. Everyday parking at Biggin Village Hall was not verified. The marshal-directed field parking, checkpoint drinks and finish meal apply to event entrants, not daily visitors; plan your own access and provisions.