From the parking by the Monsal Head Hotel, descend steeply the steps that lead to the viaduct. Continue along the viaduct to reach Cressbrook Tunnel. Rather than going through the tunnel take the path on the right to descend to the Wye valley by a footbridge. Cross over the footbridge and walk along the riverside all the way to Miller Dale houses. On the way, just as the Wye is crossed note the high limestone cliffs alongside the river. (4.0kms. 0m. 1hrs. 10min.)

At the end of the houses at Millers Dale there is a signpoint pointing to a thin path that goes to a bridge over the Wye. Once over the bridge it is steeply uphill to reach the Monsal Trail track. On the right is a bridge, and just short of the bridge is a path on the left. The route now climbs the hillside through Priest Cliff Lees and through the fields to reach the track going along the top of High Dale. and then onto Brushfield farm. Follow the road past middle Farm to Lower Farm Cottages, and then the track that contours around the top of Monsal Dale. There are some great views whilst walking along this track. Just by a Quarry the path descends to the Monsal Head viaduct. Cross the viaduct and then climb steeply back to the Monsal Head Hotel and car park. (5.0kms. 160m. 1hrs. 50min.)