Chee Dale
OS grid reference :- SK1273
Spectacular Chee Dale is a winding gorge, situated on the river Wye around 3 miles to the east of the spa town of Buxton .
The dale is flanked by steep slopes, majestic sheer grey cliffs and imposing crags of carboniferous limestone which soar to 300 feet in places.
Chee Dale is a popular climbing location. The dale is wooded in places (mainly ash) while other parts consist of grassland. The ash woodland is and limestone grassland are amongst the best examples of their kind in Derbyshire.
There are a series of stepping stones on the River Wye beneath an overhanging cliff of solid limestone, which becomes impassable when the river is in flood or after heavy rain.
A nature reserve and SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), Chee Dale forms part of the Wye Valley SSSI. Wildflowers can be seen in abundance in the dale, from the pretty lemon cowslips and early purple orchids of spring, through the yellow rock rose and the spectacular bright blue spires of Jacob's Ladder, otherwise known as Greek Valerian, a nationally rare plant and the county flower of Derbyshire, in late June, to the grass of Parnassus and sheets of blue scabious in August. The flowers attract many butterflies including the dark green fritllary. There are a variety of song birds and birds of prey including dippers, blackcap, chiffchaff, spotted flycatchers, grey wagtails and willow warbler.
Several footpaths traverse the reserve, including the Monsal Trail. The top section of Chee Dale is the easiest to access and is reached by following the Monsal Trail downstream from Topley Pike car park on the A6, and beyond Blackwell Mill. The lower section of the dale can also be reached by walking upstream from Millers Dale car park on the riverside path.
Chee Dale is in the care of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
