LANTERN PIKE
A stunning stroll around Hayfield’s lesser populated countryside
Start: Sett Valley Trail Car Park, SK22 2JG
Distance: 7.63 miles
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Duration: 3.5 hours
Navigation: follow the route here
If you’re an avid hiker, we’re sure you’re no stranger to the Peak District ‘big one’, Kinder Scout. But have you ever traversed this village’s lesser known trails?
Starting on the Sett Valley Trail. this walk leads you up to the fallen trig point at Lantern Pike, finishing off at one of our favourite country pubs this side of the Pennines, The Little Mill.
As far as trig point routes go, this is a scenic one for sure. The start of the walk takes you along Birch Vale Reservoir along a tree-lined path that’s a haven for wildlife.
From here, you journey onwards to a short climb up towards the Pennine Bridleway where the lane narrows into a stony path just before the base of Lantern Pike. Once you’ve reached this point, it’s smooth sailing up to the rig point atop the summit.
And as for the views when you’ve reached the trig? You’ll instantly forget about the slog up to the summit — rewarded with insane, far-reaching views as far as the eye can see. Expect a patchwork of fields, heather moorland and the magnificence of towering neighbour, Kinder Scout.
Don’t fancy giving the trig challenge? Fear not, The Sett Valley Trail itself makes for an incredible Sunday Stroll with 2.5 miles of traffic-free scenery perfect for walkers and cyclists alike.
The trail follows a former railway line through the beauty of Derbyshire’s countryside, taking you along the Pennine Bridleway between Hayfield and Birch Vale.
And if you’re after ticking off a few trigs in one day, why not extend the walk to include nearby Harry Hut and Burnt Hill?
Or if you fancy following our shorter route, give it a go here!
