Padley Gorge,
Higger Tor and the Derwent Valley Walk description: This circular walk follows the Derwent Valley before climbing, steeply at times, up through the stunning Padley Gorge and out on to the moors. The climbing continues up to Owler Tor on good paths before crossing the higher moorland to Higger Tor where the final climb is quite steep. The return circuit is mostly downhill, steep in parts and eventually returns to the Derwent Valley by the outskirts of Hathersage. Starting point: Small lay-by on the left just before Leadmill Bridge on the B6001 half a mile SSE from Hathersage (SK 233806) Maps: Dark Peak Explorer OL1 and the White Peak Explorer OL24 1:25000 Walk a short way back from the lay-by and take the first track to the right, running alongside the left bank of the River Derwent and heading east. Stay on this track as far as the gate and footpath sign on the right. From here walk through the field and then along the river path, which can be muddy at times. Eventually, this path divides (SK 241795) at the sign up to Grindleford Station and the left path is often very muddy, so take the middle route. After a short distance, the two paths merge as you head up a gradual climb through the woods, and then a slightly steeper section up to a gate in a wall. Beyond the gate there is a good drinks stop with rocky seats to enjoy views down the scenic Derwent Valley south.
32
by Barry Wilson
Leave here passing over the railway bridge, and then bear right across a grassy pathway until you reach a wider track. Bear right along this route past houses and an old chapel. Before dropping down towards Grindleford Station, look out for sharp turn left up a wide and steep access road between some lovely houses. (SK 251788) At the top, go through the gate and begin a rocky ascent which stays above the gorge. Keep heading up and then along an undulating pathway of Gritstone slabs through this delightful conservation woodland section with the river deep in the gorge below; the rapids and small waterfalls are spectacular after a rainy spell. Ignore any signs to the left and after one mile you go through a gate at the top of the gorge and out into open countryside with views of our ultimate destination of Higger Tor to the north. This is a lovely resting point with rocks to sit on close to the stream by a wooden bridge; it is a very popular paddling and picnic spot for families on a busy holiday period. From here, keep to the left of the river along a level pathway for about 100 yards then take the obvious well walked path to the left and follow a narrow man-made gully which heads upwards towards Surprise View car park (SK 249801). This former packhorse trail reaches the busy A6187 through a gateway. Cross here with care and then turn left to the main car park on a pathway set back from the road. Sometimes there is an ice cream van in the car park! Ahead of you, the views westward are the
