Though Gratton Dale is lovely all year round, it is the flowers that make the valley special. First cowslips and early-purple orchids cover the steep, grassy hillside, to be followed by oxeye daisies, cushions of scented thyme and golden rock roses. Thistles make a late appearance, attended by a host of peacock butterflies then, for a finale, clouds of silver thistledown blow in the wind as the dale prepares for winter.
LOCATION: Thirteen miles south-east of Buxton
START: A5012. Park on minor road to Winster, one mile beyond Pikehall Grid ref: SK207593 Postcode: DE4 2PG
DISTANCE: 4.5 miles
GRADE: Easy
TIME: 2.5 hours
MAP: Outdoor Leisure - White Peak Landranger 119
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: Dale End, Elton, Hungerhill Lane
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News