(S/E) From Beech Croft Farm Caravan Park and Campsite front gate of the campsite turn left, then look out for a footpath sign on the left beyond Cottage Farm directing you over a stone step stile beside a field gate.
Cross three meadows then pass through a belt of trees to Blackwell Hall Farm. Turn right then left and follow a concrete farm track past the farm buildings. Keep along the track until an obvious fork, where you go through the gate straight ahead.
(1) Beyond this gate the track shortly doglegs right towards a copse, then the track ends and you turn left to follow the wall on your left. Leave the wall to reach a gate through a crossing wall then follow the path beyond to a further field gate with extensive views over Chee Dale to your left. The path then drops steeply to the river, keeping to the left of an obvious spoil heap.
(2) Just before you reach the river you meet a crossing path; turn left and cross a footbridge over the river. On the far bank turn left and walk upstream, passing a vigorous spring (the first of many). Level stretches with short boardwalks and rockier sections alternate until you reach Wormhill Springs, where you leave the river briefly to cross a side-stream.
(3) More rocky sections, some high above the water, and more boardwalks lead to a massive overhanging limestone cliff and the first set of stepping stones. Beyond these, cross the river on a footbridge and pass beneath a railway bridge.
(4) Shortly afterwards, descend some stone steps to return to the original bank via a second footbridge. After further riverside walking you reach the second set of stepping stones, beyond which continue in similar vein to pass under a second railway arch.
(5) At a third railway bridge ignore the footbridge over the river, continuing along the northern bank to the footbridge at Blackwell Mill, where you cross the river for the final time. Follow the Pennine Bridleway up the steep slope to the left of the cycle hire hut (refreshments available) to reach the Monsal Trail.
Cross the Trail directly or via the brick bridge and follow the path up the side dale beyond. Partway up, cross a stile on your left by a footpath sign (signposted Blackwell). This narrow path zig-zags up between limestone outcrops and, in summer, through a profusion of flowers and their attendant butterflies. Towards the top there are spectacular views down Chee Dale. Keep to the left of a waymark then cross a stone step-stile on your right into pasture.
(6) Head half-left to a second stile, then swing right (away from the gorge) to a third. Continue uphill in a similar direction on an indistinct path until you intercept a farm track with a grassy strip down the middle, where you turn left. Follow this track through a series of gates until you meet the road, a short distance from theBeech Croft Farm Caravan Park and Campsite.(S/E)
