Limestone Way
The Limestone Way is a 74 km route through the White Peak from Matlock in Derbyshire to Castleton — following the limestone dales, ancient pack-horse routes and dry stone wall country of the southern Peak District.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Limestone Way
The Limestone Way threads through the White Peak's limestone landscape from the Derwent valley at Matlock north to the dramatic limestone gorge country around Castleton. The route follows the plateau and the dale systems — through Bradford Dale, Lathkill Dale and the approaches to the Hope valley — on well-maintained footpaths and bridleways.
For trail runners it is a one to two day challenge on excellent terrain. Limestone drains quickly, paths are firm and the scenery consistently rewarding. Monsal Head viaduct, Monyash village and the Winnats Pass near Castleton are the highlights.
The route
Matlock to Youlgreave (~20 km): Through the Wirksworth country and Bradford Dale.
Youlgreave to Monyash to Castleton (~54 km): Via Lathkill Dale and the limestone plateau. Castleton's limestone caves and Winnats Pass are the finish.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Matlock. Train from Derby (connections to Nottingham and Birmingham).
Finish: Castleton. Bus from Sheffield.
Best time: Year-round.
Safety
Low-hazard route — good mobile signal throughout, always near roads. Winnats Pass road is sometimes closed by rockfall — the footpath remains open. In an emergency: call 999 or 112.
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