The Limb Valley was formed after the retreat of the ice from the area some 10,000 years ago. It is sited entirely on the rocks of the Millstone Grit series which are exposed in the Valley sides as alternating bands of shale and sandstone, each with its characteristic ground flora. The attraction of the Valley lies in the diversity of semi-natural habitats, relicts of the former use of the area for industrial and agricultural purposes, which have escaped development due to the relatively steep Valley sides.
The geology of the Valley and surrounding area is shown in simplified form in Fig. 1a.
Fig 1a The geology of the Limb Valley from Ringinglow to Whirlow Bridge
Fig. 1b is a section through the Valley showing the sequence of geological strata and where the rocks outcrop.
Fig 1b Sketched geological section following Limb Brook from Ringinglow to Whirlow Bridge
The chronology of the rocks mentioned in this publication is shown in Fig. 2.
Fig 2 The age of the rocks in the Limb Valley
The Trail follows the course of the Limb Brook from Whirlow Bridge where the stream is crossed by a short section of the original Turnpike road to Chapel en le Frith, preserved as a loop off the modern A625, to near its source at Ringinglow. The length of the entire Trail is 2.4 km from Whirlow Bridge at 195 m above sea level to the stile on Houndkirk Road, Ringinglow, at 327 m above sea level. With the exception of the farmland at the upper end, the Valley is managed by the City Recreation Department and the path through the Valley is part of the City "Round Walk".
For the convenience of those who may not wish to walk the whole Trail at one time this publication is divided into two parts dealing respectively with the Main Woodland and the Upper Valley. Fig. 3 is a map of the Valley showing the position of the numbered locations referred to in the text. The locations are numbered consecutively from the start behind Whirlow Brook House to Houndkirk Road with a further series of locations at the lower end of "Main Woodland" which may be visited as a detour on the return to the main road at Whirlow Bridge.
Fig 3 The Limb Valley Nature Trail
To assist the reader further in understanding the topography of the Valley and the microclimates associated with the different habitats, three vertical sections across the Valley are also shown.
At least one hour should be allowed to walk the entire Trail in a westerly direction (uphill) pausing to consult the Trail publication at each locality mentioned in the text. The Trail becomes rough in places in the upper section and walking shoes are recommended. The Trail follows the main path and you are requested not o wander from the path since others may be encouraged to do likewise and thus create new paths through the vegetation.