ROWARTH TO LANTERN PIKE AND COWN EDGE
A stunning Peak District walk taking you to two ethels, a perfect sunset spot and a charming country inn
Start: Rowarth Car Park or Little Mill Inn, Rowarth
Distance: 8 miles
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy-moderate with gentle elevation gain
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
This circular route from Rowarth on the edge of the Peak District offers spectacular views, varied terrain, and a fantastic pub finish. Covering Cown Edge and Lantern Pike, this 8-mile hike includes some of the best sunset views over Manchester, making it a top choice for if you’re searching for a golden hour adventure close to the city. The route also takes you to two Peak District Ethels, Cown Edge and Lantern Pike, both offering stunning panoramic views.
The walk starts at Rowarth Car Park or the historic Little Mill Inn, a charming country pub housed in a former 18th-century corn mill. The route takes you along rolling moorland, up to Lantern Pike, a prominent peak offering panoramic views over the Peak District and Manchester skyline, before taking you past Cown Edge, with its dramatic gritstone cliffs.
Route difficulty
Walk type: Circular, moderate walk with some steeper inclines
Terrain: A mix of well-defined paths, moorland trails, and rocky sections
Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but the route features some stiles and dogs must be kept on leads near livestock and cliff edges
Route highlights
Cown Edge
A breathtaking ridge with spectacular views across the Peak District and beyond. Cown Edge is especially popular for sunset walks, as the golden light illuminates the landscape and offers a stunning backdrop over Manchester.
Lantern Pike
This prominent hill offers 360-degree views across the surrounding countryside. On clear days, you can see as far as Kinder Scout and the Cheshire plains.
Little Mill Inn
A traditional country pub with a warm atmosphere, delicious food, and a working water wheel. Ideal for a pre- or post-walk pint and meal.
Ethel Bagging
This circular route allows you to bag two Peak District ethels along the way.
Is this route for me?
Unlike more strenuous routes nearby like Kinder Scout, this walk offers a more relaxed walk while still offering fantastic views. It’s perfect for:
✅ Walkers seeking a scenic but manageable hike
✅ Those looking for the best sunset views near Manchester
✅ Hikers who enjoy a good country pub stop
Tip: Easy sunset access to Cown Edge
If you only want to catch the sunset at Cown Edge without doing the full walk, there’s a convenient parking layby at What3Words location: fiery.prawn.tequila. From here, it's just a short walk uphill to the ridge, making it an ideal quick sunset spot without the full hike.
Options to extend the route / things to do nearby
If you have extra time, consider:
Exploring Kinder Scout: A short drive away, Kinder Scout offers more challenging hikes and spectacular views.
Visiting New Mills: A lovely town with scenic walks along the Torrs Riverside Park and the famous Millennium Walkway.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by Car: Parking is available at Rowarth Car Park or the Little Mill Inn (check with the pub if staying for food/drinks). A small fee may apply.
Public Transport: The nearest train stations are New Mills Central and Marple, both offering connections from Manchester and Sheffield. From there, taxis or local buses can take you closer to Rowarth.
✔️ Good to knows
Difficulty: Easy-moderate with some steep sections
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof boots recommended (some sections can be muddy)
Dog-friendly: Yes, but several stiles en route and dogs on leads near livestock
Food & Drink: The Little Mill Inn is an excellent choice for a post-walk refuel
Facilities: No public toilets along the route, but available at the Little Mill Inn
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
