Milldale
The hamlet of Milldale, situated to the north of beautiful Dovedale in the Peak District National Park, is a tranquil, riverside settlement of quaint stone cottages, set amidst steep wooded hills.
The National Trust barn from Viators Bridge and cottage at Milldale
The much photographed ancient packhorse bridge is the most famous of all in the Peak District, originally it had no side walls, to allow horses with panniers to clear the bridge. It is known as the Viator’s Bridge, and was made famous in the English classic ‘The Compleat Angler’ by Izaak Walton. Walton refers to himself as Viator, which is Latin for "traveller", hence the name Viator's Bridge.
There is a shop, toilet facilities, a large car park and an information barn owned by the National Trust. The barn was originally the stable for the corn mill, the Camomile Mill which closed down in the late 1870’s. The foundations of the mill are still visible as is the pool where local farmers washed their sheep in the river prior to shearing, this practice practice was only abandoned in this peaceful backwater in the 1960s.
A popular spot with walkers, the hamlet is a favoured starting point for walks in the stunning Dovedale scenery to the south. Cross over Viators Bridge to walk down through Dovedale to the stepping stones.
Nearby places of interest
Dovedale, a dramatic limestone ravine, with its mpressive rock outcrops and tranquil woodlands is arguably the prettiest of the dales in the Peak District National Park and is owned by the National Trust.
Ilam Park Beautiful Ilam Country Park is situated at the Peak District village of Ilam to the north west of Ashbourne. The park covers 158 acres (0.64 km2) on both sides of the River Manifold.
Haddon Hall near Bakewell, is an architectural gem. Dating back to the eleventh century, the hall has been described as "the most complete and most interesting house of [its] period", it is the finest example of a medieval manor house currently in existence in England.