THIS WEEK’S FEATURED WALKS:
ALL TRAILS
DRAGON’S BACK WALK (5 MILES)
Want to feel like you’ve spent the day in Middle Earth? This route’s for you.
Start: Hollinsclough, SK17 0RH
Distance: 5 miles
Ascent: 1,000 feet
Duration: allow approx. 2 hours
Navigation: follow step-by-step
Starting and finishing in the pretty hamlet of Hollinsclough, this walk has it all: magnificent views across the Staffordshire and Peak District wilds, paths criss-crossed with ancient stone walls, and summits galore… taking you through the breath-taking landscapes of the famous Dragon’s Back over the tops of Chrome Hill (424m), before meandering back up Parkhouse Hill (360m).
From here, you descend through untouched farmland and idyllic country lanes to make the return back to Hollinsclough.
With challenging terrain in places, our route to the summit of Parkhouse Hill should only be taken on if you’re confident at scrambling. There’s free street parking in the village but spaces are limited to so plan ahead if you’re arriving by car.
The views of the landscapes surrounding are sure to take your breath away at every part of this route. But the real highlight for us came in the form of a wonderfully idyllic pitstop, The Honesty Shop.
This perfectly stocked café-come-hut-come-shop has all your refuel needs covered, with hot drinks, sweet treats and fresh local produce aplenty. The Honesty Shop has no staff and relies solely on the good nature of passers-by to do the right thing - a comforting reminder that we were far away from the hustle of the city.
The walk can be shorted by cutting out the final ascent over Parkhouse Hill or extended by following your nose to the summit of High Wheeldon.
Another option is to start at The Quiet Woman pub in Earl Sterndale, not far from Buxton. Unsurprisingly, the many routes surrounding the limestone reef knolls of Chrome and Parkhouse Hills make for magnificent views throughout.
6 INCREDIBLE WALKS WITHIN 1 HOUR’S DRIVE OF MANCHESTER
Check out our favourite, tried-and-tested walks less than 1 hour from Manchester…
Tired of the same old, over-populated walks? Living in a city doesn't have to mean concrete skyscrapers and canal walks. With so many hidden gems right on our doorstep, our collections are here to get you back to nature... without having to travel too far from home.
There’s no shortage of impressive sights to be found around Greater Manchester, whether you’re into walks that look straight out of Lord of the Rings or short strolls that make you feel straight out a fairytale.
With the Peak District right on Manchester’s doorstep, stunning scenery and dramatic views aren’t as far away as you may think. Take a look at some of our favourite walking spots found on the borders of our region.
Below the hustle and bustle of the main shopping centre lies New Mill’s (not so) hidden gem: The Torrs. We’ve done this walk a few times, and every time we’re amazed by the astounding natural gorge that lies below.
Expect colourful cliffs, enormous viaducts and a long bridge that transports you to the Goyt Way — making for one of the best lesser-known walks in Derbyshire.
The route
Start: New Mills Central Station
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5 hours
Navigation: Follow the route step by step here
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > New Mills Central (20 mins).
If you’re short on time but keen on big views, this walk’s for you. The Rossendale Valley is an outstanding and distinctive part of beautiful East Lancashire. Set in the South Pennine hills, it’s the perfect setting to escape the city for the day and explore some of Lancashire’s forgotten history.
The route
Start: Clough Head Car Park, 462 Grane Road, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 4AT
Distance: 5.6 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 725 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow our route here
Breathtaking scenery? Check. Two iconic Peak District landmarks in one walk? This route has you covered. Starting and ending at the base of Bamford Edge, this walk first takes you up to Bamford Moor and onto Stanage Edge, before heading back through the iconic Bamford Edge — where there’ll be photo opps aplenty.
The route
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow our route here
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > Bamford (41 min). From the train station, take the 257 bus to the starting point.
The Peak District ‘big one’. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge on your next Sunday walk, a trip to the highest point in the Peak District is a must.
The route
Start: Bowden Bridge Car Park, SK22 2LH
Distance: 8.15 miles
Duration: Allow approx. 3-4 hours
Elevation: 1,500 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > New Mills Central (20 mins). From the train station, take the 358 bus to Hayfield.
Whether you want to climb to one of the area’s trigs or lay low and stroll around the forest’s multiple reservoirs, Macclesfield Forest is a perfect Sunday day out. The forest is the last remnant of the Royal Forest of Macclesfield and now home to red deer.
The route
Start: Trentabank Visitor Centre, Macclesfield, SK11 0NS
Distance: 3.66 miles
Elevation: 600 feet
Duration: 1.5 hours
Navigation: Follow our route here
With over 15 miles of woodland trails and meadow-lined paths to explore, Hardcastle Crags is a walker’s utopia. Lying just above Hebden Bridge, you’ll be able to take your pick from the town’s many independent shops and cafes once you’ve finished your stroll.
The route
Start: White Lodge Pay and Display Car Park, DE45 1NL
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 625 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
Public transport
Manchester Victoria > Hebden Bridge (28 mins)
Read more
The Torrs Millennium Walkway – a stunning Peak District walk that hovers above a huge gorge
Macclesfield Forest loop – a magical woodland walk with staggering lake views
Hidden gem - easy walk lancashire walk around Jamestone Quarry
6 INCREDIBLE WALKS WITHIN 1.5 HOUR’S DRIVE OF MANCHESTER
Check out our favourite, tried-and-tested walks less than 1.5 hours from Manchester…
Tired of the same old, over-populated walks? Living in a city doesn't have to mean concrete skyscrapers and canal walks. With so many hidden gems right on our doorstep, our collections are here to get you back to nature... without having to travel too far from home.
There’s no shortage of impressive sights to be found around Greater Manchester, whether you’re into walks that look straight out of Lord of the Rings or short strolls that make you feel straight out a fairytale.
With the Peak District right on Manchester’s doorstep, stunning scenery and dramatic views aren’t as far away as you may think. Take a look at some of our favourite walking spots found on the borders of our region.
Alport Castles, Derwent Valley (1 hour drive)
The route
Distance: 9 miles
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate, gradual ascents
Navigation: Follow the route step by step here or download GPX file
Parking
Start: Fairholmes Car Park, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ
Toilet facilities at Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Bicycle Hire – Derwent Valley is a great place to explore cycling trails
Good-to-knows
The car park does fill up quickly on weekends, so visit off-peak where possible
There’s a refreshment kiosk at the car park, open everyday 8am until 6pm (later if there is demand), selling takeaway drinks, snacks and hot food.
Public transport
Manchester Piccadilly > Sheffield (50 mins). From here take a bus to Fairholmes Car Park, a stop on several bus routes.
Jamestone Quarry to Haslingen Grane Walk (Lancashire’s Hidden Gem)
Sometimes the best routes are the ones right on your doorstep. Being short on time and opting for a gentler walk around Lancashire’s untouched moors, this 5 mile walk surpassed all expectations…
Start: Clough Head Car Park, 462 Grane Road, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 4AT
Distance: 5.6 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 725 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Download the GPX file here
Facilities
Cafe
Parking
Toilets
Getting to the starting point
While the standard route has you starting from Clough Head Visitor Centre car park, we pulled into a lesser-known side road so we could start the walk at Jamestone Quarry. It also meant the cafe at Clough Head was mid-route, for a cheeky brew break.
*Our secret starting point: Heap Clough,
NB: Parking here is extremely limited, but you can opt to start at either Clough Head or The Holden Arms on busier days.
Haslingden Grane
Haslingden Grane is a glaciated valley lying to the west of Haslingden and in the north east of the West Pennine Moors. It is easily accessible via the B6232 Grane Road which links to the M65 motorway and the A56. It contains three reservoirs: (west to east) Calf Hey Reservoir, Ogden Reservoir and Holden Wood Reservoir. The valley is overlooked to the north by Oswaldtwistle Moor and to the south by Musbury Heights. The attractive moorland scenery makes it a popular place for walking especially through the well known Fairy Glen beauty spot, there is an information centre, parking and cafe at Clough Head.
Grane Valley
It's hard to believe today, but the Grane Valley was once home to well over 1,000 people and served as the centre of an illegal whisky distilling industry. Many houses have vanished entirely, but some remain, in varying states of decay. It is tempting to assume that it was the flooding of the lower valley that caused its depopulation, but as a matter of fact the story is considerably more complicated.
Settlement began in the area, previously a deer park, in the early part of the 16th century. The population grew over the next two centuries as woods were cleared, although farming here was nearly always marginal. Most families supplemented their income by handloom weaving. Another widespread source of income was the distilling of illicit whisky. Many of the houses had secret passages or cellars to hide the stills.
As larger mills developed, handloom weaving became less viable. The construction of the Calf Hey Reservoir in the 1850s robbed the struggling community of its best land, but the final nail in the coffin was the crisis which afflicted agriculture in the 1880s, with drastic falls in commodity prices. There's an echo here of the problems which farmers are facing today. Once more, many farmers are searching for supplementary sources of income and in some cases leaving agriculture altogether.
Today, many people walk around the reservoirs and surrounding countryside of Haslingden Grane, but perhaps know little of the thriving village that once existed there. The clues are there, with the substantial remains of farmhouses dotted throughout the valley, but much of the village was lost with the creation of the three reservoirs.
Sadly, all that remains of Grane Village today are several ruins dotted along the trail, one of these being Hartley House (pictured below).
Haslingden Grane Quarries: Jamestone Quarry
Along the way, the walk takes you around the local quarries, renowned for producing a unique form of flagstone named Haslingden Flag. Railways transported huge quantities of this all over the country in the nineteenth century. The stone was was even used in the paving of London, most notably Trafalgar Square.
Clough Head Visitor
After you’ve finished soaking up the beauty of Jamestone Quarry, follow the path around until you reach a right turn taking you to Clough Head. The cafe’s open 8am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.
Haslingden Moor
After stopping off at Clough Head Visitor Centre, the final leg of the route takes you around Calf Hey Reservoir and along the Rossendale Way, before a short climb up to Haslingden Moor. Once you reach the top of the moorland, you’ll soon reach Musbury Heights Quarry, one of the numerous 'Valley of Stone' historical quarries in the area.
Fancy giving this one a go? Head to our Instagram for a step-by-step guide
10 WALKS BY TRAIN NEAR MANCHESTER
Need a nature fix? Here’s how to escape the city when you haven’t got a car
If you've found yourself wandering through the local cemetery just to catch a glimpse of nature's greenery, you're likely familiar with the frustration of city life without wheels. And while Manchester has lots of incredible greenspaces (and burial places), there are days when you want to be somewhere wilder with bigger skies and wider views.
Manchester may be known as a flat city, but look to the horizon and you'll see higher ground just waiting to be explored. Roaming these moorlands and hills is in our blood, so let’s roam.
New Mills Millenium Walkway, New Mills (4 miles, 20 mins by train)
Lyme Park, Disley (30 mins by train)
Start: Disley Station
Distance: Various
Lyme Park is one of the National Trust’s most treasured estates. But perhaps lesser-known is the many trails surrounding its grounds just waiting to be explored…
Plus, with over 1,400 acres of rugged moorland, ancient woodlands and formal gardens to explore, Lyme is a great day out if you want to explore with your pooch. In fact, Lyme has always been a place where dogs can enjoy themselves. Dogs lived alongside the Legh family who left Lyme to the National Trust. Discover fantastic walks with your four-legged friend at Lyme.
As one of our favourite places to escape the city, we’ve done our fair share of walks around Lyme and its endlessly stretching countryside. Check out just a few of our favourites below.
NB: Each route listed below does require a walk from Disley station to the starting point.
The Trinnacle, Dovestone Reservoir, Greenfield (24 mins by train)
Start: Greenfield Station
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation: 950 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Navigation: follow along here
Located high on the hills of Saddleworth Moor, there stands a peculiar rock formation which has well and truly gripped the attention of ramblers from far and wide. Best known as ‘The Trinnacle’, this fork-shaped gritstone pillar juts out from the moorlands above Dovestone Reservoir and has exploded in popularity as of late. The by-product of glacial activity dating back some 14,000 years, the deep valleys and splintered crags characterising the landscape all serve as a reminder of what once was.
Broken away from the main cliffs which loom over the reservoirs after years of weathering, the Trinnacle stands alone – like a trio of high-rise buildings – and is best found along a circular walk known as the ‘The Trinnacle Trail’.
Seven Falls, Tintwistle (38 mins by train)
Start: Hadfield Station
Distance: 5.31 miles
Elevation: 575 feet
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Navigation: Follow the route here
Looking for a (not so) secret place to take a dip after a day of exploring? Then a trip to Seven Falls in Tintwistle is a must.
Fairy Wood Walk, Hathersage (57 mins by train)
Start: Hathersage Station
Distance: 4.63 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 800 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
Starting and ending in quaint Peak District village, Hathersage, this is a perfect route if you prefer your walks to start and end in a country pub or cosy cafe.
The route follows well-made paths up and out of the village, past the church, through beech woodlands, and up over the tops towards Stanage Edge, before meadnering back down into the village on coutnry lanes.
Winter Hill, Bolton (17 mins by train)
Start: Rivington Hall Car Park*
Distance: 6.15 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 1,300 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
This Lancashire walk takes you to two incredible viewpoints in one route. You begin your ascent up to Winter Hill via Rivington Country Park, taking you 1,496 feet high up to the summit.
While there are a variety of routes to choose from, our favourite is this 6 mile walk which takes in arguable the best views and scenery across Bolton, Wigan and the West Pennines Moors.
NB: To access the start of the walk by public transport, take the train from Manchester to Bolton, then board the 192 bus to Rivington.
Harpur Hill, Buxton (1 hour by train)
Start: Buxton Rail Station
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
Navigation: Follow the route here
Looking to escape the crowds? Topley Pike Nature Reserve is home to rolling hills, all-to-yourself valleys and stunning surrounds every way you turn, making it the perfect base to escape the hustle and bustle and recharge among some of the best scenery we have on our doorstep.
Winnats Pass, Hope (49 mins by train)
Start: Castleton Visitor Centre, S33 8WN
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation: 900 feet
Duration: 3-4 hours
Navigation: Follow the route here
This walk takes you high above Winnats Pass and around Castleton, meaning you can take in this amazing Peak District village from all angles. The start of the route leans towards the challenging side, taking you up a steep and rocky path straight up to Winnats Pass where you’ll be instantly rewarded with incredible views right across The Peak District National Park.
Bamford Edge, Bamford (53 mins by train)
Start: Bamford Station
Distance: 7.53 miles
Elevation: 650 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
This walk offers some of the best views in the Peak District. With just a short climb at the start, you walk towards Bamford Edge and are rewarded with incredible views of Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs. Want to catch an unreal sunrise with the chance of a cloud inversion? Set off early and you’ll have the ridge almost to yourself — with incredible views right across Hope Valley.
Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge (27 mins by train)
Start: Hebden Bridge Station
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
Elevation: 650 feet
Navigation: Follow our route here
Whether you want to mooch around Heptonstall and pay a visit to Sylvia Plath’s resting place, or head on over to Lumb Falls for a wild dip, this walk is perfect for escaping the city for the day.
Want to make it a wild swim walk? Follow our Lumb Falls walk here.
BAMFORD AND STANAGE EDGE CIRCULAR
Breathtaking scenery? Check. Two iconic Peak District landmarks in one walk? This route has you covered…
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Download the GPX file here
This scenic Bamford Edge walk also visits Stanage Edge, taking in some of the best views in the Peak District.
Walk Highlights
Bamford Moor
As you ascend from Heatherdene, Bamford Moor presents itself with rugged landscapes and untamed beauty. This expanse of open moorland offers panoramic views, babbling brooks, and a stone circle dating back to The Bronze Age. Keep your camera ready!
Stanage Edge
Situated north of Hathersage, Stanage Edge is a popular place for walkers and for rock climbing with stunning views of the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. The gritstone edge stretches for approximately 4 miles and featured in the classic film ‘Pride & Prejudice’ starring Keira Knightley.
Bamford Edge
Bamford Edge is an overhang of gritstone that sticks out over the beautiful Bamford Moor. The ridge is renowned for its distinctive rock formations, including the photogenic 'Great Tor'. It lies elevated on the moor, close to the quintessential Derbyshire village of Bamford in the Peak District National Park.
Bamford Edge is approximately 1381 ft above sea level or 420 metres high. From the top, you get some of the best views of Ladybower Reservoir, Win Hill, Lose Hill, The Great Ridge, Crook Hill, and Hope Valley — all from just a relatively short walk to the top.
It’s extremely popular with rock climbers, walkers, and those wanting to get some fabulous photos on an iconic overhanging ledge.
Tips
Facilities are limited on this one. You’ll find public toilets available at the start of the walk (Heatherdene Car Park) and a cafe at nearby Derwent Reservoir if you’re looking to extend the route.
Check the weather: The weather atop the moor can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for changes.
Respect the environment: The Peak District is a protected area. Stick to paths, and don't disturb wildlife.
Arrive early: Heatherdeane Car Park gets incredibly crowded during the weekend, visit off-peak where you can.
Catch a sunset: Looking for a shorter walk? Check out our Bamford Edge sunset variation below, clocking up just 3 miles.
Plan ahead: Ensure you have enough water, snacks, and a map. Mobile signal can be patchy, so physical maps are handy.
Leave the white trainers at home! The area around the moors can get incredibly boggy — so definitely bring your boots for this one.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch the golden light.
Safety first: The edges can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy boots and watch your step.
Leave no trace: Preserve the beauty of the Peaks. Take your rubbish with you and stick to the paths.
SUNSET WALK VARIATION
Short on time, or simply want to head up for sunset? This short loop up to Bamford Edge is a great alternative. The walk up to the edge only takes approx. 20 minutes with just a short ascent up to the ridge — the perfect route to watch the sun set over Ladybower.
Tip: The walk up can get incredibly boggy after rainfall, so definitely bring your boots for this one.
Bamford Circular Walk
Distance: 3.53 miles
Elevation: 650 feet
Duration: 1.5 hours
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY
Navigation: follow the route here
Despite clocking up just a few miles overall, this Bamford loop offers some of the best views in the Peak District. With just a short climb at the start, you walk towards Bamford Edge and are instantly rewarded with incredible views of Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs.
Just opposite, you’ll also find another great vantage point in the form of Win Hill. The easygoing nature of this route makes it a popular location for sunrise and sunset.
Up top, you’ll be spoilt choice if you’re looking to extend the walk—with the option to include both Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs if you prefer to skip the climb and soak up the views at the bottom.
Looking for more walks like this one? Check out our latest adventures on Instagram
KERRIDGE HILL LOOP
Discover the beauty of Cheshire from up above in this 6 mile circular walk…
Start: Clough Bank, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5NY
Distance: 6.88 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 1,000 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
Looking for a bit of history on your next trip outdoors? Look no further than this uphill hike around the Cheshire countryside. Not only does this walk provide excellent views that sweep right across the surrounding area, but you’ll also pass White Nancy fairly early on — a memorial site atop Kerridge Hill, built to commemorate the victory of coalition forces at the Battle of Waterloo.
With its comically shaped physique, White Nancy isn’t your typical historical landmark. Thanks to its lofty position, the site White Nancy sits on had been used as a warning beacon of invasion for centuries, featuring other small structures before Nancy took up residence.
In 1817, the Gaskell family of Ingersley Hall built the structure you see today, in belated commemoration of the victory at Waterloo, 1815. Originally, White Nancy had a door and was used as a summerhouse, but was soon sealed off due to vandalism over the early 20th century.
Whether you’re here for the views or the stories of yesteryear, you’re sure to be taken aback by the undisturbed peacefulness of this route. On a clear day, you can see as far as Snowdonia, Liverpool’s coastal line and the windmills off the Wirral peninsula.
After admiring the views surrounding White Nancy, walking across Kerridge Hill is a must. The route’s quite steep in parts — but the views? So worth it.
So if you’re after a walk that offers incredible views every way you turn, make sure you stop by and see our Nancy soon. With multiple footpaths, woods and fields to explore nearby, you can easily extend this route into a full date out.
Fancy stopping by to visit Nancy soon? Follow the route here
SOLOMON’S TEMPLE WALK
An short but idyllic in Buxton boasting impressive views
Perched high over the idyllic town of Buxton lies a monument like no other. Solomon’s Temple is Buxton’s very own folly. The Victorian viewpoint tower built in 1896 stands proudly atop the summit of Grin Low - and, unlike the true spirit of a folly (which usually have no practical purpose whatsoever), Solomon’s Temple actually occupies a site of ancient significance.
It’s built on the site of a tumulus, a Neolithic burial chamber, and replaced the ruins of an earlier structure built by Solomon Mycock. Before the existing tower was built, the area was excavated and contained several skeletons from the Beaker period - spooky stuff.
Grin Low, which Solomon’s Temple is built on, was the main location for the early Buxton lime industry. The large, oddly shaped mounds you see on the walk up to the summit are widespread remains of over 100 large ‘pudding’ lime kilns which date from the 17th-19th centuries.
And as for the route itself? Well, it’s one of our favourite walks this side of the Peaks, that’s for sure.
With your choice of woodland trails leading from Poole’s Cavern to the summit, you’re sure to be met with beautiful landscape and spectacular views whichever way you venture.
Fancy giving it a go? Follow the route here
NEW MILLS MILLENIUM WALKWAY WALK
Come with us on this short (but oh so scenic) walk just 20 minutes from Manchester…
On initial glance, New Mills may look like any ordinary Peak District village: small, picturesque with little much-to-do around the town. Venture just a few steps downwards towards the River Sett, and you enter another landscape entirely.
We’ve partnered with In Our Nature, Manchester’s biggest climate movement, to show you don’t always need to grab for the car keys to enjoy a wonderful day out in the Peaks.
Whether you want a lazy Sunday stroll or are seeking a fully day of exploring, New Mills is a great base for all types of adventures.
That’s why we’ve got two routes for you to choose from. The first, a short 4 mile loop that leaves plenty of time to explore the many wonderful independent shops and cafes in New Mills town centre. The second is a 10 mile loop which you can start from either New Mills or Marple, with easy train links from Manchester to both starting points.
Route #1: The Torrs Circular
Start: New Mills Central Station
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5 hours
Navigation: Download the GPX file here
The Millenium Walkway and The Tours
Below the hustle and bustle of the main shopping centre lies New Mill’s (not so) hidden gem: The Torrs. We’ve done this walk a few times, and every time we’re amazed by the astounding natural gorge that lies below.
Expect colourful cliffs, enormous viaducts and a long bridge that transports you to the Goyt Way — making for one of the best lesser-known walks in Derbyshire.
Millers Refillers
The beauty of this shorter route means, not only can you take it at your own leisure, but you have the full day to explore the many wonderful shops, pubs and cafes that New Mills has to offer. Make sure you check out this iconic zero waste shop, stocking everything from baking essentials, flours sugars, pulses, rice, pasta, nuts, dried fruits, seeds, spices, oils, vinegars, sweet treats and snacks, and so much more.
Route #2: Mellor Cross
Distance: 10.5 miles
Duration: Allow approx. 4 hours
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Download the GPX file here
If you’re wanting to make a full day of it and check out some of Stockport’s forgotten while you’re at it, then this route’s for you. While The Torrs itself makes for a great short circular route if you’re not planning on venturing far, this longer walk is perfect for summer days spent exploring.
From Marple, you’ll head towards The Roman Lakes and passed the site of Mellor Mill Ruins. Once a shining star or the Oldknow Empire, Mellor Mill was the biggest spinning mill the world had seen during its time of construction. What remains of the mill have since been taken over by the natural world, making for a gorgeous pitstop by the Peak Forest Canal and River Goyt.
Passing the ruins, you’ll make the ascent towards Mellor Cross—a local landmark on Cobden Edge. The cross was originally erected in March 1970, made by a carpenter local to the area. From The Cross, you’ll reach Mellor Moor, where you’ll be rewarded with views across the western edge of the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain.
The moor’s umpteen tracks date back to prehistoric Old Mercian trackways, and make great aids for exploration. The line of an ancient trackway is said to be the route of monks and pilgrims, with waymarkers signifying Old Mercian landmarks and monasteries.
Descending from the moorland, we head towards New Mills where you can stop for a well-earned refuel. The town boasts an impressive mix of independent shops, cafes and pubs, perfect for that much-needed pitstop before the homeward leg. We stopped off at Clockwork Cafe, which has all your caffeine (and Derbyshire Oatcakes!) cravings covered.
After a refuel is where you’ll be greeted with the trail’s main event: The Torrs Millennium Walkway. This 175-yard aerial walkway spans the cliffsides above the River Goyt, with links to many walking and cycling routes should you choose to travel a different way home. New Mills Heritage Centre provides maps and guides for several nearby walks, including the iconic Kinder Trespass Trail.
In 1932, around 500 walkers from Manchester trespassed en masse from Hayfield to Kinder Scout to secure access right to open country for all to enjoy. Back then, walkers across England and Wales were denied access to areas of open country—luckily for us, the trespass helped pave the way for the establishment of the Pennine Way and other long-distance footpaths enjoyed today.
Fancy following in their footsteps? You can follow our Hayfield to Kinder Scout route here.
On the home stretch, the Goyt Way makes for a relaxing, flat stroll—taking you passed landmarks such as Bruce’s Clock in Strines. In medieval times, Strines stood as a large hunting forest—The Forest of the Peak—before local gentry settled here during the Elizabethan period.
Bruce’s Clock was originally found on the grounds surrounding Strines Hall, with the comings and goings of local people ordered by the striking of its bell in days when clocks and watches were rare household acquisitions.
After briefly meeting back up with The Roman Lakes footpath, you’ll finally reach The Peak Forest Canal to make the last stretch back to Marple.
The Waltzing Matilda sometimes moors here, so keep an eye out if you’re looking to refuel on woodfired pizza.
Looking for more walks like this one? Check out our adventures on Instagram
DEEP DALE > MAGPIE MINE CIRCULAR WALK
Explore the rich history of Sheldon in this enchanting Peak District walk
Start: White Lodge Pay and Display Car Park, DE45 1NL
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 625 feet
Navigation: download the GPX file here
This short walk to Magpie Mine from Ashford-in-the-Water is a great little route that encompasses rivers, woods and fields all in one walk — oh, and a little uphill walking!
Magpie Mine is a disused lead mine, and covers a large area with many buildings still in tact. It makes a great places for both adults and children to explore. And for photograph lovers, the dark skies make for some impressive starry night photos of Magpie Mine.
From the car park, you cross the River Wye and walk alongside it before meandering through Deep Dale. You’ll soon reach farm Magpie Mine at the highest point on the walk, before a stroll into the village of Sheldon, where you’ll find a cosy, traditional pub that’s been converted from an old barn.
Once you’ve explored the old mine, it’s back to Sheldon and a gradual descent via Great Shacklow Woods to the River Wye, where you follow it back to the car park.
Here you will find details on how to get to the start of the walk, parking, route information, map, GPX file, plus useful good-to-knows along the way.
Magpie Lead Mine – Its History
The atmospheric remains of Magpie Mine are one of the best places to visit in the Peak District and one of the top industrial heritage sites in Derbyshire. It was the last working lead mine in the Derbyshire orefield and is one of the best surviving examples in the UK of a 19th century lead mine. The mine has a fascinating history spanning more than 200 years of bonanzas and failures, of bitter disputes and fights resulting in the murder of three miners, and a Widows’ Curse that is said to remain to this day.
Deep Dale
At the start of the walk, you’ll pass through Deep Dale — one of those special places where, if you visit the right part at the right time of year, you will see swathes of colour spreading over the hillsides.
Sitting within the Peak District National Park, this grassland reserve has a rich cultural history including lead mining and the remains of a Romano-British settlement on a steep-sided hill called Fin Cop. This nature reserve is a characterful gem, packed with lush greenery, meandering streams, and captivating wildlife. You'll feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale, and the well-maintained trails make it easy for hikers of all levels to navigate.
Sheldon Village
The small village of Sheldon in the Derbyshire Peak District, perched high above the River Wye, is a real hidden gem. Surrounded by stunning White Peak limestone countryside, the village is a cluster of picturesque stone cottages on a hill, mostly built along one single lane. The village bears the weight of history, its origins traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries, emerging as a vital hub for lead mining, a boom that swelled its population. Just beyond the village limits lies Magpie Mine, a remarkable testament to 18th-century lead mining and arguably one of the most complete sites of its kind in the entire Peak District, and perhaps even the UK. Its origins date back to the 1730s, and today, it stands preserved as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The remnants of the old winding house and chimney continue to stand as enduring witnesses to bygone industry.
Good-to-knows
Drive time from Manchester to the starting point:
1 hour 10 mins
Public transport
Catch the train to Buxton then take the TransPeak bus that goes between Buxton and Bakewell and stops in Ashford-in-the-Water near to the start of your walk.
Food and drink
You’ll pass a wonderful country pub, The Cock and Pullet, which serves good food and has a wonderfully cosy atmosphere.
Fancy giving this one a go? Discover more details about the walk over on our Instagram
TOPLEY PIKE CIRCULAR WALK
Looking for a quieter Peak District stomping ground for your Sunday Walk? You’ve found the perfect hidden gem below…
Start: Harpur Hill, SK17 9LD
Distance: 7.11 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 475 feet
Navigation: follow the route here
If you're looking to escape the crowds both in Manchester and the more populated Peak District trails, look no further than Topley Pike Nature Reserve: home of rolling hills, all-to-yourself valleys and stunning surrounds every way you turn.
This walk is one of the least populated routes you’ll find in the Peak District, making it the perfect base to escape the hustle and bustle and recharge in the incredible scenery we have on our doorstep.
Starting from Harpur Hill, this small village in Buxton is the ideal place to begin a leisurely stroll up to Topley Pike. From here, you'll set out on a winding path taking us up towards Topley Pike Nature Reserve. Please note, parts of the journey include a section of unpaved a-roads, so please take care during this part of the walk.
Once you’ve made it to the boundary, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Thirst House Cave, a true wonder of the Peak and a real hidden gem.
After admiring the eerily calm surroundings (you’ll struggle to see another soul along the way!), continue towards Deep Dale, a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation. This idyllic valley makes for the perfect picnic break or a brew stop in the winter months.
From here, we head back to the starting point for what is arguably this walk’s ‘main event’, Buxton’s infamous ‘Blue Lagoon’. With its striking blue colour and picturesque white shores, Harpur Hill Quarry in the Peak District is the perfect example of a dangerous beauty. Its vivid colour is a result of freezing cold rainwater mixing with minerals discarded from decades of the industrial burning off of quicklime. And the toxic mix of chemicals in the water have the same pH value as bleach.
While its lush blue waters look like a tropical paradise, swimming in it could cause anything from skin irritation to severe sickness. This is because its high alkaline pH levels makes a dip in Blue Lagoon similar to swimming in 'a bath of bleach'.
Its vivid colour is actually a result of freezing cold rainwater mixing with minerals discarded from decades of the industrial burning off of quicklime. The toxic mix of chemicals in the water have the same pH value as bleach, which could cause anything from skin irritation to severe sickness.
Interested to know more? Scroll down to read more about the History of Blue Lagoon.
Whether you’re interested in the history or just here for the views, lease do take care and observe the ‘no swimming’ signage. This is no dipping spot!
Despite its dangers, Blue Lagoon remains one of the most popular destinations in the Peak District — and after another trip up in winter without the crowds, we can certainly see why.
The History of ‘Blue Lagoon’, Buxton
Harpur Hill, officially known as Hoffman Quarry, has a very long and rich history producing quicklime, with small-scale lime burning beginning in the 1600s, before large-scale quicklime production was carried out beside the quarry from 1835 to roughly 1952. The bigger production demands meant using larger shaft kilns, which led to the use of a multi-chambered Hoffmann kiln, operated by Buxton Lime Firms Ltd.
During the Second World War, the quarry was used by the RAF as a depot to store chemical weapons – the biggest such site in the country at some 500 acres. Later, Harpur Hill was deemed a good place to dispose of captured German chemical munitions. The surrounding hills were used to burn such weapons as phosgene and mustard gas with bleach, sending plumes of acrid smoke into the air. The depot shut in 1960 with the area remaining vacant ever since. Incidentally, the site was also home to an RAF Mountain Rescue team who would respond to air crashes the length and breadth of Derbyshire.
In 1980, the Hoffmann lime kiln was demolished in an effort to create space for an industrial estate. Massive volumes of solid waste left over from the lime burning were dumped in nearby tips, thus creating spoil heaps contaminated with traces of quicklime plus ash from the coal used in the process.
The aforementioned rainwater filtering through the waste leaches calcium hydroxide and in turn becomes heavily alkaline. Signs dotted around the site clearly say the water can cause "skin and eye irritations, stomach problems and fungal infections such as thrush" and that the quarry is known to contain all manner of things you definitely don’t want to go swimming with – including dead animals, excrement, car wrecks, and piles of rubbish.
Despite its inviting Mediterranean hue, the water is extremely cold. Yet many seem to still view the area as a popular tourist destination, causing much frustration for nearby residents.
Still here? Get out there and follow the route
6 INCREDIBLE WALKS WITHIN 2 HOUR’S DRIVE OF MANCHESTER
WALKS NEAR MANCHESTER
Check out our favourite walks less than 2 hours away from Manchester…
Manchester: the heart of everything. From our amazing people to the beautiful buildings and unrivalled culture, we have lots to shout about here in the world’s greatest region.
But all the things that make our city so great, make us appreciate being able to escape every so often even more. And what better way to do just that than spending the day in the wide open.
Whether it's a quiet hillside stroll or strenuous mountain hike, nothing quite blows those cobwebs away like a few hours up on the moors. And with the Peak District right on Manchester’s doorstep, accessing stunning scenery and dramatic views may not be as hard as you think.
We've rounded up some beautiful walking spots found on the borders of our region, proving that you don't have to travel too far from your local area to spend time in the great outdoors.
Start: Gradbach Car Park, SK17 0SU
Distance: 6.65 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 900 feet
Navigation: follow our route here
Start: Binn Green Car Park, Oldham, OL3 7NN
Distance: 4.13 miles
Elevation: 950 feet
Duration: less than 2 hours
Navigation: follow along here
Distance: 8.32 miles
Time: 2-4 hours
Ascent: 900 feet
Start: National Park Centre, Malham
Navigation link: follow our route here
Start: Castleton Visitor Centre, S33 8WN
Distance: 5.02 miles
Elevation: 900 feet
Duration: allow approx. 2 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
Start: Rivington Hall Car Park, Bolton, BL6 7SD
Distance: 6.15 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 1,300 feet
Navigation: follow our route here
Start: Arnfield Fly Fishery, SK13 1HP
Distance: 3.31 miles
Elevation: 575 feet
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
DARWEN TOWER CIRCULAR
Enjoy this moorland stroll just a short drive away from the city…
Start: Tockholes Car Park, Darwen, BB3 0LR
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation: 600 feet
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step here
Explore the stunning moorlands surrounding Manchester with a gentle climb up to Darwen Tower, also known as Jubilee Tower, situated on the picturesque West Pennine Moors. Built in 1989 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Darwen Tower — known officially as Jubilee Tower — is located on the West Pennine Moors and overlooks the town. Thanks to its vantage point high up on the moors, this walk offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot Blackpool Tower and see as far as Cumbria and North Wales.
There’s different routes you can take to the tower, depending on how challenging you want your walk to be. A popular route is a two mile circular walk starting at Sunnyhurst Wood Car Park, which is around 40 minutes drive from Manchester. We opted to start from Tockholes Road Car Park, where you’ll find a pub and two cafes to fuel up in before you set off on the short climb up.
The perfect starting point, if you ask us.
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow along here
KNARR QUARRY AND BROKEN AQUEDUCT WALK, TINTWISTLE
A lesser-known trail starting from Tintwistle up to the Seven Falls near Crowden…
Start: Tintwistle, SK13 1JN
Distance: 5.5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 975 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Follow the route step-by-step here
Route Highlights
Holybank Quarry
Known locally as John Henry Quarry. The quarry was established in the late 1800's to supply stone for the Manchester Water Corporation's Longdendale Reservoirs. In the mid 1900's the demand for such stone dried up. The land at that time was owned by United Utilities who approached Tintwistle Parish Council, it is believed in the 1980's, to manage the site. In 2021, the council decided to rewild the site.
Tintwistle Knarr Quarry
Knarr Quarry, located near Tintwistle, is a historically significant site known for its rugged terrain, exposed rock formations, and panoramic views. Once a bustling industrial quarry, its remnants showcase both geological features and a glimpse into the area's industrial past. The easiest way to approach the quarry face is to look for the large stone block at the edge of the path, that has two shallow seats carved out of it. Climb up onto that, then follow your nose.
Hawker Hurricanes Crash Site
On February 22, 1945, during a training exercise from RAF Calveley, Cheshire, three Hurricane MkIIC aircraft conducted a formation flying mission in challenging weather. With poor visibility due to hazy clouds in the valley, the English leader attempted to pull up upon spotting the hillside, but tragically, all three planes collided with it at high speed. The casualties included Flight Sergeant J.V. Robinson (PZ854), Sergeant E.M.L. Marien (PZ851), and Sergeant M.H.L. Orban (PZ765). The crash sites reveal minimal remnants of the planes, with possibly two visible indents on the hillside, while the third may be obscured by the surrounding bracken.
Extending the walk
Bottoms Reservoir: A leisurely stroll around Bottoms Reservoir offers peaceful surroundings and panoramic views. It's a perfect option for those seeking a shorter, more relaxed walk.
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir: For a slightly longer trek, venture to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. This circular route treats you to breathtaking vistas and serene landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those craving more nature immersion.
Bottoms Reservoir to Dovestone Reservoir:
Start at Bottoms Reservoir and follow the trail that leads to Dovestone Reservoir. Take in the beauty of both reservoirs and the picturesque landscapes in between. The round trip is approximately 3.5 miles.
Greenfield Circular Walk:
Begin at Bottoms Reservoir and head east towards Greenfield. Explore the charming village and then return to the reservoir using a different path. This circular walk is about 4 miles in length.
Good to knows
Parking at the starting point of our komoot route is limited. We recomend visiting off-peak or reversing the walk by parking at Arnfield Fly if visiting on a weekend.
Facilities: Toilets and cafe at Arnfield Fly
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow along here
ERRWOOD HALL LOOP, GOYT VALLEY
Panoramic views, magical woodlands and peaceful picnic spots are just some of the reasons you’ll want to head to Goyt Valley — and at just 3 miles for a round trip, you won’t find a better local short walk than this one…
Start: Errwood Hall Car Park, SK11 0AR
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation: 500 feet
Duration: 1-2 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
This relaxed Peak District walk is beautiful in any season, but the way the woods are painted with gorgeous auburn hues come late September should make this route appear high on your list of autumn woodland walks.
Lying just a few miles northwest of Buxton, Goyt Valley is magical place — one that’s gained popularity from visitors since Victorian times.
Once a prosperous and industrious community, the signs of a time gone by are all but extinct, bar from the ruins of Errwood Hall. Back in 1937, the construction of Fernilee Reservoir completely changed this beauty spot’s landscape, but the area remains a wonderfully peaceful place to visit to this day.
Walk Overview
This leisurely three-mile walk takes in three of the most historic sites in this part of the Goyt Valley; the ruins of Errwood Hall, the hilltop cemetery of the Grimshawe family who lived here from around 1840 to 1930, and St Joseph’s Shrine, the small circular stone building dedicated to the Spanish companion of Mrs Jessie Grimshawe. From here the walk ascends a gentle slope to reach the summit of Foxlow Edge before returning to Errwood Hall carpark.
Errwood Hall: A Glimpse into the Past
Errwood Hall, now a ruined site, was once the centerpiece of the Grimshawe estate. Constructed in the 1830s by Samuel Grimshawe, this grand mansion boasted Victorian Gothic architecture and stunning views of the Goyt Valley. The Grimshawe family, who resided here from 1840 to 1930, played a significant role in the area's history.
During its heyday, Errwood Hall hosted lavish gatherings and social events, but tragedy struck in 1930 when the estate was demolished due to financial difficulties. Today, the haunting remains of Errwood Hall stand as a testament to a bygone era, inviting visitors to explore its enchanting grounds.
Goyt Valley Highlights
Pym Chair
Folklore more your thing? Local legend has it that a highwayman called Pym used to lay in wait to ambush those who used the old packhorse route, hence the name Pym Chair given to one of the peaks in this mesmerising landscape.
Shining Tor Trig Point
Shining Tor, the highest point in Cheshire, is often included in walks through Goyt Valley… because if you can bag a few trigs in one walk, why wouldn’t you?
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here
FAIRYTALE WALKS NEAR MANCHESTER
Looking for the best walks near Manchester? Look no further… these fairytale walks are perfect for hitting the trail in 2024.
Let’s face it — we need a touch of magic to get us out in the weather we’ve been having lately. So let these fairytale walks guide the way…
1) Lantern Wood, Lyme Park
Start: Lyme Park, Disley
Distance: 6.83 miles
Elevation: 1,050 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Navigation: follow our route here
2) Giddy Edge, Matlock
Start: Matlock Town Centre, DE4
Distance: 5.41 miles
Elevation: 1,175 feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Follow the route here
3) Lud’s Church, Gradbach
Start: Gradbach Car Park, SK17 0SU
Distance: 6.65 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Elevation: 900 feet
Navigation: follow our route here
4) Goyt Valley, Peak District
Start: Whaley Bridge, SK23 7LX
Distance: 7.71 miles
Elevation: 1,075 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
5) Chee Dale Stepping Stones, Buxton
Start: Miller’s Dale Car Park, SK17 8SN
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Elevation: 525 feet
Navigation: follow our route here
6) Nine Ladies Stone Circle, Stanton Moor
Start: The Druid Inn, Birchover, DE4 2BL
Distance: 6.81 miles
Elevation: 925 feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Follow our route here
7) Fairy Wood, Hathersage
Start: Oddfellows Road, Hathersage, S32 1DD
Distance: 4.63 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 800 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Follow the route step-by-step here
HATHERSAGE - FAIRY WOOD WALK
Seek some relief from the windy peaks and enjoy this short walk that’s perfect for a winter’s day…
Start: Oddfellows Road, Hathersage, S32 1DD
Distance: 4.63 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation: 800 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Download the GPX file here
Starting and ending in quaint Peak District village, Hathersage, this is a perfect route if you prefer your walks to start and end in a country pub or cosy cafe.
The route follows well-made paths up and out of the village, past the church, through beech woodlands, and up over the tops towards Stanage Edge, before meadnering back down into the village on coutnry lanes.
Hathersage
This picturesque village in the Derbyshire Dales is adorned with stone cottages, a babbling brook, and welcoming faces aplenty. Take a moment to explore the local shops, cafés, and St Michael’s Church, where you can take a visit to Little John’s Grave.
A Legendary Wander: Discovering Little John’s Grave
Our walk leads you past St. Michael's Church at the start of the route, where you’ll find the final resting place of Little John, legendary companion to Robin Hood. If rich folklore and enchanted woodlands sounds like your idea of a great day out, this walk is for you.
Stanage Edge
Leaving the Fairy Wood behind, our route ascends towards the moors at the base of Stanage Edge. This iconic gritstone escarpment offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Good-to-knows
Facilities: Parking, Public Toilets, Cafes and Pubs
Parking: Parking is pay and display at Oddfellows Road, S31 1DD
Public Transport: Manchester Piccadilly > Hathersage, 56 mins.
Fancy giving this one a go? Follow the route here
CHRISTMAS DAY WALKS
Check out our tried-and-tested Christmas Day walks
Are you a Christmas Day moocher or a Boxing Day cobweb blower?
We’ve always liked to kick off the big day festivities by heading off on a Christmas walk so we can get home and cosy and fill our boots with Yorkshire puds.
Check out our tried-and-tested places for a Christmas Day wander.
1) Lyme Park
Start: Lyme Park, Disley (alternatively you can complete the walk in reverse by parking at The Coppice)
Distance: 4.23 miles
Elevation: 430 feet
Duration: allow approx. 2 hours
Follow the route here.
2) Dunham Massey
Follow the route we mapped out for The Manc here.
3) Chadkirk Chapel
Start: Chadkirk Chapel, SK6 3LB
Distance: 6.29 miles
Duration: allow approx. 2 hours
Follow the route here.
ROBIN HOOD’S STRIDE AND NINE LADIES STONE CIRCLE
Mystery and myth await on this 7 mile adventure to some of Derbyshire’s best landmarks…
Start: The Druid Inn, Birchover, DE4 2BL
Distance: 6.81 miles
Elevation: 925 feet
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Navigation: Follow the route here
As witchy walks go, this 7 mile route in The Peak District is up there.
Where else can you enjoy a pint at a pub named The Druid Inn shortly after visiting a Bronze Age stone circle?
This easy-going walk has slowly become one of our all-weather favourites — atmospheric in winter, magical in spring, and a great place to pause in summer.
Birchover Village
The charming village of Birchover is nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park, between the towns of Matlock and Bakewell in the county of Derbyshire. Birchover is one of the oldest recorded villages in the Peak District, having been referenced in the Domesday Book of 1086. As Peak District villages go, Birchover doesn’t garner quite the tourism and accolade as places like Castleton or Edale… making it perfect for those seeking a place to pause in the Peaks.
Birchover lies to the southeast of the Peak District National Park. Its location and proximity to Bakewell make it an easy place to stop at if you’re considering a visit to the very popular Bakewell area, for attractions such as Chatsworth House. The region around Birchover houses many interesting geological features such as Hermits Cave and Robin Hood’s Stride. They are easily explored and enjoyed on this Birchover and Stanton Moor circular walk.
Robin Hood’s Stride
From the small lay-by parking area, our Birchover walk starts with a short climb up to Robin Hoods Stride and Hermits Cave. This forms a quick out and back. You can choose to visit at the start or end of your walk. But for us, we like to save the best ‘til last… and we’re suckers for a good old stone circle.
Cross the road and head uphill through open fields and charming woodlands. At the top, you'll find Robin Hood's Stride. The impressive pile of gritstone boulders, aka Mock Beggar’s Mansion, is an invitation for a bit of adventurous scrambling. Alternatively, soaking in the views from the base is just as rewarding.
From Robin Hood's Stride, gaze out at Bradley Rocks. Film buffs might recognise both locations, as they were featured in The Princess Bride.
Once you've taken in the charm of Robin Hood's Stride, it's time to explore Hermits Cave.
Hermits Cave
A short distance to the west of Robin Hoods Stride is Hermits Cave. Located at Cratcliffe Tor is a shallow shelter carved into the side of the rockface. This is Hermits Cave. Inside the hollow on the side of the hillside is a stone bench that looks like a bed and a carving of a crucifix. The carving in Hermits Cave is thought to date back to the 13th or 14th century.
Nine Ladies Stone Circle
The name Nine Ladies comes from the folk tradition of nine women dancing on the Sabbath being turned to stone. The stones are set on the inner edge of a slight bank, and form a ring about 40 feet around. Each stone is about 3 feet high and made from local millstone grit, a coarse sandstone. The circle is part of a complex of prehistoric circles and standing stones on Stanton Moor.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago, the circle was most probably constructed by the people who lived on and farmed in this area at the time, as a site where they could celebrate and commemorate the most important moments of life and death in their community.
The vast open moorland of Stanton Moor is so significant in terms of its ancient archeology that the entire moor is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The area was a valuable resource for farming, wood and stone for our ancient ancestors.
There are more than seventy burial barrows on the moor and four stone circles, of which the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is one.
Slightly smaller than the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, with only six standing stones, is Doll Tor, also dating from the Bronze Age.
As well as the more ancient markers of past civilisation here, there is also still evidence of 17th and 18th Century packhorse routes, hollowed-out tracks in the heather made by the hooves of horses transporting goods from Cheshire and Sheffield.
Public Transport
Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton > 1 hour. From Buxton, take the Transpeak bus towards Derby and alight at Picory Corner. From here, you’ll pick up the 172 bus towards Matlock, alighting at The Green in Birchover village.
Pitstops
The Druid Inn, with its rustic charm and selection of local ales, provides the perfect setting to relax at the start or end of your walk.
For those seeking a touch of elegance, The Flying Childers, named after the famous racehorse, offers a refined dining experience. Indulge in a hearty meal paired with a fine selection of drinks to round off your adventure.
Extend your adventure
Other attractions nearby: check out Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall for more historical attractions.
More stone circles: closeby to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle is Arbor Low Stone Circle, another prehistoric stone monument.
More caves in the Peaks: if you want more caverns like the Hermits Cave, check out nearby Thor’s Cave.
Fancy’s giving this one a go? Follow the route here
LYME PARK > SPONDS HILL WALK
Blow away the winter cobwebs on this hidden gem of a local route…
Start: Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR
Distance: 6.83 miles
Elevation: 1,050 feet
Duration: 2-3 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
The Walk
If you’ve followed our walks for a while, chances are you’ll be well acquainted with the beauty of Lyme Park (we certainly talk about this local gem enough!). What may surprise you, though, is the extensive tapestry of untouched trails encircling Lyme that’re just waiting to be explored…
Having visited the Lyme estate many a time before, I couldn’t believe we’ve never taken a trip up to Sponds Hill. Despite clocking up just 1,050 feet of elevation, this route takes in quite a few trig points — so it’s a great one to explore if you’re not looking for something overly strenuous.
Amenities at Lyme Park
Lyme Park isn't just a starting point; it's a destination in itself. Before setting out on your walk, take some time to explore the estate. The mansion, surrounded by sprawling gardens, offers a glimpse into the area's rich history. If you fancy a bite to eat or a hot cup of coffee, the Timber Yard Café is the perfect spot to fuel up. There's also a shop where you can pick up intricate bits and bobs or essentials for your journey.
Admission Prices
See admission prices to Lyme Park below. Alternatively, you can start the route at Nelson’s Pit or extend the walk to find free roadside parking in Disley.
NT members: free
Adults: £6.00
Children: £3.00
Family: £16.50
Route Highlights
The Cage: As you leave Lyme Park, you'll pass by The Cage, a striking 18th-century hunting tower. Take a moment to admire the architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Bowstones: Continuing on your journey, you'll encounter the Bowstones – ancient standing stones that add a touch of mystique to the landscape. These stones have witnessed centuries of history and offer a great photo opportunity.
Sponds Hill: Finally, you'll reach the summit of Sponds Hill. The panoramic views from here are nothing short of spectacular, making the walk well worth the effort. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas of the Cheshire Plain and beyond.
The Lantern: On your return, you’ll pass a deer leap in the wall, before arriving at another stile. Climb this stile and make your way along the path through the woodland. Eventually you will stumble across the Lantern (downhill on your left). Take some time to explore around the Lantern and take in the views down toward the house. Tradition has it that the top third of the Lantern used to be on the roof of the house where Minerva's statue now stands.
Transport Options:
Situated in Disley, Cheshire, Lyme Park is easily accessible by both car and public transport. If you're driving, ample parking is available on-site. For those relying on public transport, Disley train station is just a stone's throw away, providing a convenient option for those coming from Manchester or Stockport.
Fancy following along? Find full navigation details here
UPHILL CHALLENGES:
WALKS WITH WATERFALLS:
