| ‘A’
Walk |
| Distance: 14 miles |
| Ascent: 1,200 ft |
| Leaders: |
| Ken Bryning |
| Bob Scurr |
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Starting from the centre of Hathersage (SK230815), we dispense with the only climb of the day in the first hour by climbing out of the village on to Stanage Edge (the high point is High Neb 1511ft).
This is some 4 miles of perfect spectacular grit stone, the edge being one of the most popular places in the country for climbers.
Crossing the busy Sheffield road, we stay parallel with it on paths until we meet Ladybower reservoir and, incidentally, the “Ladybower Inn”, which on a show of hands, we may be compelled to visit (dehydration is a problem in this sort of terrain!).
Walking across the dam leads us to a disused railway track which takes us down through Thornhill and Shatton, to then follow the peaceful River Derwent back into Hathersage. |
| ‘B+’
Walk |
| Distance: 11½ miles |
| Ascent: 1,200 ft |
| Leaders: |
| Glennis Poole |
David Purdy |
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| From Hatherdene car park (GR 202860) beside Ladybower reservoir, we start by walking directly AWAY from our final destination, going half a mile northwards back up the main road to the “Ladybower Inn” where, unlike the “A” party, we will have to resist the temptation for early refreshments!
Behind the Inn , a good path leads us gradually upwards through woods via Ashopton, followed by a short sharp climb on to open moors, where we turn east. Passing Moscar House farm and then Moscar Lodge, we cross over the busy A57 and head south to start the highlight of the walk, a glorious 4 mile traverse of Stanage Edge, with extensive views all round.
This section is very easy walking on good gritstone paths with many features of interest along the way.
From the Edge's final trig point at GR 251830, we start the descent into Hathersage by way of Mitchell Field, Scraperlow and some attractive woodland with our destination being hidden from view to the very end. |
| ‘B’
Walk |
| Distance: 8½ miles
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| Ascent: 1,050 ft |
| Leaders: |
| Barry Whitby |
| Peter Houghton |
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| Our circular walk leaves Hathersage via Hood Brook and then continues through Cliff Wood to Birley Farm.
More undulations follow as we make our way to Nether Hurst and then Hurstclough Laane.
Having followed this country lane to Gatehouse, we then climb steadily via Bolehill Wood to Dennis Knoll.
From here a stony track allows us to access the top of Stanage Edge.
Our reward, some fine views overlooking Hathersage.
Now losing height fairly quickly, we then pass through a wood to reach North Lees, a house with a Bronte connection.
For the rest of walk we basically continue in a southerly direction via Cowclose over farmland.
On entering Hathersage, we will walk through the churchyard containing Little John's Grave.
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| ‘C’
Walk |
| Distance:7 miles. |
| Ascent: 900 ft |
| Leaders: |
| Janet Purdy |
Ray Webb |
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This is a varied walk with very gentle ascents, climbing gradually through a wooded valley to open moorland before descending slowly to a path along the River Derwent.
We walk out of Hathersage crossing the Derwent at Leadmill Bridge and meander through mixed woodland where the bluebells should be in flower in May.
There may be some mud to contend with at this part of the walk!
After having our coffee stop at Stoke Ford, we ascend gently to Abney village and on to the moor, where there are impressive views of the surrounding countryside, taking in Ladybower Reservoir.
Our traverse then takes us down to the river (where we saw a treecreeper, merganser ducks and orchids), for a gentle return to Hathersage.
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