Derbyshire and Peak District Dales

Chee Dale

Chee Dale is a splendid winding gorge, flanked by limestone cliffs sometimes towering 300ft above the path, sometimes overhanging it. You get the feeling that they are leaning on you and pushing you off the path, and indeed at times they do, with the path being forced out onto stepping stones. If the river Wye is in flood the path can be impassable. The feeling is of dampness with the water dripping down from the mossy walls.

Chee Tor is very stricking and picturesque, its steep whiteness spattered with tenacious foliage. On top of Chee Tor are faint reminders of the fields and circular huts of a prehistoric settlement. At its foot is a variety of plant life. The chattering of Jackdaws often dulls the chattering of the Wye.

The valley is well wooded in places and meadow land in other parts, giving it some contrast in scenery.

The High level paths are considered dangerous but the view from the high road climbing Topley Pike is awe-inspiring. The cliffs give considerable sport to rock climbers.

See Chee Dale photographs