Peak District walk (7) - Bradwell, Win Hill and Abney Moor

Date of walk: Mar 29th, 2012.  Distance: 13 miles.  Start: Lane by Hucklow Edge

An illustrated account of the walk, click on any picture to enlarge, or to view as a slideshow.

Win Hill - from Great Hucklow....  Not everyone's first thought as the starting point for this hill, but I found the whole round very enjoyable and satisfying.  It is not quite as long as some of the recent walks, but does include two considerable climbs, so after a gentle start becomes quite strenuous before easing off again near the end.  I am sure others might want to start somewhere else on the circuit, or go the other way round, but for me the walk worked well as described.  Rather than parking in the village, I found a space on the hill towards Bretton, just above the path I wanted down to Grindlow.

It was another glorious warm and sunny day in the remarkable month of March, 2012.  It came in like a lamb, is going out like a lamb as I write, and has been utterly lamb-like throughout - except that lambs would feel hard done to because of their boisterousness in comparison to the weather this month.  The day of the walk saw no need of gloves, hats or waterproofs even to be packed - there was just no question of cold or wet.

Grindlow is a little hamlet very close to Great Hucklow.  Right at the start of the path at the edge of the hillside wood it was spread out below as part of a lovely view.

View of Grindlow at the start of the walk

The path takes a sneaky route around the farm buildings after the walk down the open fields, reaching the lane at the far end of the hamlet.  A sharp right turn leads towards Great Hucklow.  I took a little path leading to the chapel on the lane entering from the south and wandered through the attractive village, thinking that Little Hucklow must be really small.  It does have a pub, for those who are interested in such establishments.

Village street and pub, Great Hucklow

At the west end of the village I turned sharp right along the track that leads to Burrs Mount, gaining a bit of height and the benefit of views.  A path then skirts the hillside directly to Quarters Farm and the main road to Bradwell at the entrance to Bradwell Dale.  The views across the valley to Little Hucklow are very attractive.

View across to Little Hucklow

The route across slanting gradually downwards across the fields to Quarters Farm is a little uncertain in places, but the walking is very easy.  I found myself dawdling around rather, just enjoying the beautiful day.  Approaching the road at Hazlebadge, I saw the first hang glider of the day high above to my right - Bradwell
Edge is a favourite place for devotees of this activity.  Bradwell Dale looked like an intriguing valley within a valley.  Hazlebadge Hall stands at the entrance where it begins to close in ahead.

Road entering Bradwell Dale from the south

At this point I decided, from the look of the ground ahead, to take the western path along the left hand edge of the valley as seen in the picture.  Being new territory to me, I wanted to try and pick out a route with good views.  This one certainly proved a good choice, keeping right to edge of the steep sided limestone valley for some distance.

Bradwell dale from the footpath

Taken up by the local landscape, I barely noticed the rather distant looking Win Hill in the background.  It will no doubt look lovely in a few weeks when the fresh leaves open on the trees.  It seems to be a place beloved of jackdaws - further on the air was full of their cries echoing around.  A little while after the point above, the footpath leaves the edge and crosses fields to Jeffrey Lane, which in turn draws closer to the edge near the white crag in the picture where the jackdaws resided.  Hungry Lane "unsuitable for motors" seemed the right choice for walking down into the village. I had been told that Bradwell is a good  place for photographers, so I was intrigued to be visiting for the first time.  And, indeed, I was captivated by what I saw, and quite surprised not to be more familiar with the place by name or through reading.  I wandered around for a while, following a little path right coming out on the main road near the church.  This provided great views over the village.  Then went by the church which was undergoing repairs, and turned by the stream to explore the clusters of old cottages on the hillside.  The thought of being on a long walk was all but forgotten for a while, and I was only sorry not to have longer to explore more thoroughly.  A short portfolio of pictures of Bradwell follows.

Overlooking Bradwell

Bradwell village scene

Spring arriving in Bradwell

Bradwell - the main street

Bradwell on the hillside above the stream

The White Hart, Bradwell

Village scene, Bradwell

Deciding I must move on, I was becoming convinced that I would not be able to complete the planned walk and still get home close to the agreed time.  Perhaps Win Hill would be lost, after all.  However, with little hope I set out along the back lane which leads directly to the village of Hope.  The lane passes through part of the quarrying area associated with the huge cement works that dominated the Hope valley.  At the Bradwell end there are a couple of pleasant lakes in a restored area, which provide private fishing and are lined with keep out and danger signs.  They look very pleasant from the lane.

Fishing lake and cement works, Hope valley

Most of the quarrying is screened by trees, but there is one point where the lane crosses a high bridge where the extent of the workings is made apparent.  Further on again, a path runs parallel to the lane towards the village of Hope, which I followed, stopping for a brief round of refreshments.  I briefly admired the church and the school, also noticing the views of Lose Hill and Mam Tor which I had walked a few weeks earlier, looking down on the village now being visited.  How much is to be gained by getting to know a new area through travelling on foot!  The map is gradually being covered, and a jigsaw of hills and dales, of villages and fields, is being put together in my mind.

Hope church

Hope primary school

I decided to press on to Twitchill Farm and take stock.  Crossing the river, and winding under the railway, the farm track to the next destination was opened up before me.  It was obviously a good way up the hillside, and I had not taken proper account of the contours on the map.  However, the climb was achieved quickly and it became clear that the schedule was not out by as much as feared.  Win Hill was firmly back on the agenda, and the timings from this point worked out just right.  Twitchill Farm is in a fine setting, and is partly given over to holiday accommodation which must be popular and enjoyable.

Below Twitchill Farm, looking up

Above Twitchill Farm, looking down

The whole climb is enjoyable, with a constant sense of the progress being made.  The views, both near and far, are outstanding.  Eventually the smooth pasture land gives way to wilder moorland and the gradient begins to ease, and the path rounds a shoulder into a new world.  The distinctive summit of Win Hill comes into view, still some distance ahead.

Towards the summit of Win Hill

Win Hill has many higher higher hills nearby, and is nowhere especially steep or dramatic, but it somehow has a most distinctive and winning character, although of course I was enjoying the privilege of walking on a one of the most perfect of days.   I was eager to reach the height of the fence on the left skyline, sensing that fresh views would open out.  They did, but were so much better still from the summit itself, which is a lovely little rocky ridge, seen end on in the picture above.  There were quite a few other people enjoying the day and no doubt agreeing that the top of Win Hill was a good place to be.

Path west of the summit Win Hill, view to Mam Tor

Win Hill view down to Ladybower Reservoir

The fresh views to the north were the most captivating, although the hills beyond the reservoir were a bit hazy and indistinct.  On a crisp day they must be quite stunning, but I had no complaints about the views I was treated to.  A brief refreshment stop was greatly enjoyed, and I hope some of the enthusiasm is being communicated by means of this report.  As I sat, the song of a skylark exulted in the freedom of the skies above the summit of Win Hill.

The descent east to the plantation is quickly accomplished.  At the path junction I turned right - the sign for Thornhill confirming the correct direction.  There are good views down the steep slopes.  Further along the path divides again, once more with a helpful sign, now indicating Aston, the destination wanted.

Footpath and sign on Win Hill

Some of the steepest ground on the hill is found at this southeastern corner.  One point provided an especially good bird's eye view of Bamford and the River Derwent.

Overlooking Bamford and the River Derwent, on Win Hill

The path soon rounds a shoulder and slants down the southern side of the hill, with Mam Tor once again coming into view.

The Aston path down Win Hill

Soon back onto the green pastures, I was treated more pleasant scenes, thankful for the capacity of the camera to at least capture lasting impressions for the sake of keeping the memory clear of the day.

A fine day on the lower slopes of Win Hill

Sheep, lamb and gate

Aston is a scattered hamlet or small village community on the lower south facing slopes of Win Hill, boasting a fine outlook and in a position to take advantage of any sunshine going.  I took a little path parallel to the lane and then headed down a quiet path through fields which crosses the railway line at Hope station.  From the bridge there is a classic view along the line with Lose Hill in the background.

Hope station and Lose Hill

Another short path across fields leads to the main road and a very short section before a path crosses a field to the bridge over the River Noe at Brough.  I was aiming for Brough Lane which was to form a considerable stretch of the route, although only the first bit is accessible to vehicles.

Weir on the River Noe, Brough

At the foot of Brough Lane

Brough Lane involves a considerable climb, eventually reaching almost 400 metres.  The earlier stages are the steepest, and higher up the gradient gradually eases.  It gradually dawned on me that the walk crosses the boundary between limestone and gritstone.  Win Hill is gritstone, with scenery more typical of the Dark peak than the White.  From the top of the track on the gritstone of Abney Mmoor I could look down on the village of Bradwell right by the limestone valley of Bradwell Dale.

Brough Lane and view to Win Hill

Overlooking Bradwell

The track leaves the crest of the hill, and the views are restricted for a while to the immediate surroundings and the top of Shatton Moor with the Hope valley transmitter.  Over Dale is steep sided but quite different to the nearby limestone valleys.  The surrounding moorland is also a contrast with the smooth upland grassland grazing of the limestone plateaus.  It is much more typical of the Pennine moorlands that stretch to the north.  Once the height is gained, the walking is very easy, especially on the grassy path across Abney Moor on leaving the walled lane.

Over Dale

Brough Lane

Towards the end of the long walk with the climbs involved, it was especially pleasant to cover the ground so easily.  The grassy path is obviously not over used, but I would imagine just nicely distinct enough to follow in poor conditions.

Brough Lane around the head of Over Dale

Path across Abney Moor, looking north

The path arrives at a lane near Abney Grange, and either the lane can be followed around the head the slopes above Bretton Clough, or a slightly more direct path cuts a corner, which is the route I took.  The glimpses of Bretton Clough suggest the area is worthy of closer exploration.  It was a bit of a surprise to see tractors cultivating the soil at an altitude of around 375 metres.

View to Bretton Clough

Upland cultivation at the head of Bretton Clough

The path reaches the lane just below the crest.  The crest is rounded among trees, with just a short path cutting back to the lane at the start of the walk, with expansive views over the limestone country to the south.  A good finish to a splendid walk, which once again can be wholeheartedly recommended.

Peak District Walk (2) - Edale and Mam Tor

Date of walk: Feb 29th, 2012.  Distance: 13 miles.  Start: below Mam Tor, Rushup Edge road.

An illustrated description of the walk, click on any picture to enlarge, or to view as a slideshow.

Those who note the date will realise that it was done on Leap Year Day.  Somehow I had never been to Edale, something that really needed to be rectified.  A rather late and slow start led to time pressure later on, but nevertheless the whole walk was much enjoyed, and the route deserves an enthusiastic recommendation.

The real start for the circuit is the gap between Mam Tor and Rushup Edge where the lane crosses to Edale.  I was only just below the clouds on a dull morning, not the most encouraging start in a new area when you have not done much real hill walking for some time.  I dawdled west up the gentle ridge of Rushup Edge even more slowly than the cloud descended, and soon I was in mist.  Not good when one of the aims was to take photographs.  I decided to try and get a record of the walk anyway, and share the results regardless, so here goes....

Rushup Edge, dead tree, misty Mam Tor

I was glad of the clear path, the well defined ridge, the wall as an extra guide, and the map.  It seemed just like real life has been for the past couple of years - uncertainty all around, and apart from the guidance and encouragement of God's Word, all rather depressing and meaningless.  There were some glimpses down into Edale from the ridge.  Beyond the top at Lord's Seat the ridge widens into a wide plateau, with no downward views even on a clear day.  Here I was even more glad of the track and the wall.  Eventually, though I reached the sign for a junction in the path where the route left the company of the wall and headed further out onto the plateau.  I had to decide whether to go for it, which I did, because at least the track was distinct.

Boggy plateau track and a sheep in the mist

In the end I thought the pictures did quite a good job of conveying the conditions and giving some sense of what it's like to be up on the moors when the clouds are down, which does happen quite frequently.  I have never been purely a fair weather walker, and in fact enjoy and appreciate the varied conditions experienced. I looked out for a path bearing left, which leads only into a vast expanse of plateau.  This path was much more indistinct and looked little used, so I kept on the wider track trending from north towards northeast.  Eventually the wide track slants down the hillside on a route known as Chapel Gate.  I wanted to head directly north across the head of Edale and was pleased to see the small path and very glad about the good signs that are provided in the National Park.  Before long the mist cleared enough for views of the head of the valley, and the little grassy path descended pleasantly and easily.

Path across the head of the main Edale valley.

The route ahead had various points of interest - the little stream bearing valleys within the main valley carrying the headwaters of the River Noe, several old farms, and the railway tunnel.  In the picture above, Dalehead can just be seen on the right hand side, now a National Trust property.  Above it the light coloured mound is an embankment and vent above the Cowburn Tunnel which cuts 2.1 miles through the hills to the left.  The path is not always distinct, but there was only one place that I had any difficulty, which was the only route finding problem of the whole day.  This was after the final farm at Highfield before crossing the River Noe to Upper Booth.  A path trending left up the valley was easier to pick up, and would have added something of a detour to a day I was beginning to realise was passing by all too quickly.  The old barns at Highfield, one of them falling into ruin, made for an evocative scene with the Mam Tor ridge towards Lose Hill now faintly visible in the hazy cloud.  I was again taken with the stream crossing, descending into the valley within a  valley to cross the infant River Noe.

River Noe near Upper Booth, Edale

The stream meandered around delightfully in a little wooded world of its own.  Part of the footbridge can be seen on the left.  Upper Booth is one of several small hamlets that make up the scattered community within the Edale valley.  It is a compact huddle of stone farm buildings, apparently lost in time.  The tracks twist and turn between farm buildings and farmyards, and it is certainly a good job that the various routes for walkers in all directions are well signed.  I was picking up the very first stage of the Pennine Way, in reverse, to the start at Grindsbrook Booth.  The lower part of the walled farm track was very muddy, but the walking was delightful up the open pastures beyond.  It was lunch time, but I was behind schedule - payment for failing to rush up Rushup Edge, I suppose.  However, I stopped to eat in the hope that the energy boost would spur me on.  There was a fine view back across the upper valley.

Pennine Way, towards Upper Booth

Continuing on, beneath the steep slopes of Broadlee-Bank Tor, the path levelled off and then started to gradually descend to Grindsbrook Booth.  For some distance the path was laid out in stone flags across gentle upland grazing meadows, before the final stretch in a deep set track between hedges to main settlement of the valley.  The track comes out exactly opposite the village primary school and the Nag's Head Inn, which is regarded as the proper starting point (or finish) of the Pennine Way.  I was thoroughly charmed by the village, and only sorry that I had no time to linger and explore.  Instead I headed straight across the village street and down a track past delightful cottages to a wonderful old packhorse bridge arching higher than expected above Grinds Brook.

Lowest cottage and bridge over Grinds Brook, Edale

It was onwards, but only briefly upwards, to Ollerbrook Booth, another hamlet, this time really off the beaten track, between the valley road and the steepening slopes up to the north.  Gentle walking allowed for rapid progress thorough the pleasant landscape, but perhaps with a little less to constantly encourage slowing down or stopping.   The route brought me out on the valley road at Nether Booth, the next of the valley hamlets to be visited, with still others having been left out.  The whole valley is quiet, because although there is a through route, it does a considerable loop, so only local traffic and people intent on visiting Edale really use it.  Walking a brief section of the road was no problem at all.

Edale valley road through Nether Brook

However, as walkers usually are, I was keen to leave the road and take to the footpaths.  I decided not to cut a corner, and proceeded with the planned route, hoping I was catching up well enough on time.  The next path is slanting left to Clough Farm, with a climb beyond that was really superfluous to the needs of getting back to the car via Lose Hill.  However, I ventured on with enthusiasm and a determined stride, heading exactly away from Mam Tor to the furthest point away from it of the whole day.  The track was wide, the gradient easy and progress rapid, with a fine view back from the crest above Jaggers Clough.

Edale and the Mam Tor ridge

Ahead the scene changed, with a view up one of the valleys leading to the vast upland of Kinder Scout, or in this case a major eastward extension of the plateau.  The track trended down to the stream, where a sharp about turn meant I was finally homeward bound in the right direction.  The wide track crossed the stream, but I took the little stile into the woodland, staying on the same side.  Backside Wood was a delight, and once more I was sorry to be rushing.  It must be a really lovely place in the spring and autumn.  The little path eventually crossed over the stream, heading towards Edale End.

Northern slopes of Edale, view near Edale End

At this stage it was still quite gloomy, although sunshine had been in the forecast for the afternoon.  I hurried through the next hamlet at Edale End, crossed the river, up to and across the road and the railway to take a path across the lower slopes of Lose Hill.  There are no paths up the north or northeast facing sides of the hill, so the route was deflected south, and this all took longer than expected.  Nevertheless, the walk past Oaker Farm was very attractive, and finally glimpses of sunlight could be seen lighting up the opposite hillside.  Well into the afternoon I reached Townhead, literally the lowest point of the walk at the foot of the main climb of the day.....  Spurred on, I tackled the lovely climb, fairly steep in places, but with views soon beginning to open out.  In the end I rushed a little more than proved necessary, the climb being less daunting and time consuming than it had seemed from below.  I felt the effects for a few days, but the remainder of the walk was splendid, even given a compromise on the route that I felt obliged to make.  Meanwhile, towards the top, the views across the Hope valley could not be ignored.

There is Hope

The village itself was catching the low angled sun, with patches of sun and shadow across the landscape.  After the perfectly pleasant but dull day it was quite a sight.  Although Lose Hill was one of the main objectives of the day, I needed to be sensible and reluctantly took the quick and easy option of the path skirting to the south of the summit.  I stopped for refreshments on the lovely elevated pasture land, continuing to enjoy the views in the changing light.  Mam Tor loomed ahead as an indefinite shape, still looking rather more distant than I hoped.  I had set a target in my mind of 4:30 for reaching the summit.  The sun shone as I strode through Brockett Booth Plantation, keen to reach the ridge at last.  A couple of walkers, each with a dog, passed in the other direction as I emerged, the last walkers seen until the summit of Mam Tor.  Finally arriving at the ridge did not disappoint, not in the least.

Back Tor, between Mam Tor and Lose Hill

The steepness of the profile of back Tor came a something of a surprise, all in all a fine spot to reach in the improving weather.  On the right of the picture, looking back along the way I had just come through the plantation, the distinctive summit of Win Hill can be seen, like a pimple on a plateau.  There was no avoiding my shadow appearing on the picture, with the low sun directly behind. My route lay onward into the sunshine.  The ridge is a lovely walk, easy underfoot, and mildly exhilarating rather than anything too dramatic.  A desperately bad head for heights would be needed to fail to enjoy the route.  A level section gives way to a shallow drop where the view ahead really opens up.

Onward ridge to Hollins Cross and Mam Tor

The detail of Mam Tor was now becoming defined to the sight, with Lord's Seat on Rushup Edge assuming the vague looming presence beyond.  Real progress was being made in the right direction.  Being very popular, and understandably so, a path has had to be properly laid to prevent even worse scarring and erosion across the ridge.  At least the way is obvious, however thick and low the mist might fall.  To the left (south) in the shade of Mam Tor, the route of the old main road can be picked out.  The route across the slopes of the "shivering mountain" had to be abandoned years ago due to large scale land slippage.  It certainly looks worth a closer inspection on foot, and I could see people looking around the remains of the road.  On the other side of the ridge, the Edale valley was now bathed in sunshine.

A detail of the view of Edale from Hollins Cross

The lowest point of the ridge at Hollins Cross is where paths converge from all directions from the valleys below.  My way was upward once more, interesting at this time of a February afternoon, even if the longest, latest February day possible.  The gradient was easy, but the way fairly long with a fair gain of height needed to reach the summit.  Torn between hurrying on and lingering to savour the views, the final summit came into sight with a couple in silhouette obviously admiring the view and taking pictures.  It was almost precisely 4:30.  There was little wind, so it was perfectly pleasant standing around to chat to the holiday makers.  It was now just a case of the short descent to the gap and back to the car.  There was, however, a final treat with the late afternoon light in the west playing on the receding lines of the slopes of Rushup Edge and the hills beyond.

Rushup Edge and hills receding into the distance

In the end I was at the car before 5.00 in good light, happy at the outcome of the day and delighted that I had persevered despite the unpromising start.  I was very happy with setting out high up and leaving the main climb until later in the walk.  It might not suit people who think a walk has to be up a hill in the morning and down in the afternoon, but I really would recommend saving the ridge until the end.  If setting out early, or when there are longer evenings, there should be plenty of time to include the summit of Lose Hill, and no need for any urgency or rush - whether it be to rush up or rush down.