The Walk

Padley Gorge, Higger Tor and the Derwent Valley

by Barry Wilson

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

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

stunning surprises. If you also look east, you can pick out Longshaw Hall in woodland, once used as a First World War hospital, and now has a small cafe, shop and picnic area, with car parks for other walks from the Longshaw Estate.

At the payment point, turn right and pass through the wooden gate. This leads up, over and between large Gritstone slabs which wind up to an amazing Gritstone tor. Follow the path round this prominent feature and head north to reach Over Owler Tor. Take care descending this high point on any one of the rocky paths down. From here you can see the higher rocky Higger Tor ahead and to the north east, the lower rocky Carl Wark, a site of an ancient settlement. Keep on this well trodden pathway towards the obvious climbing route on the left of Higger Tor; this is an easy ascent taking you round the left edge to reach the summit. On a windy day, there are plenty of rocks or gullies in which to take shelter and enjoy a well earned lunch break. There are stunning panoramic views towards Stanage Edge, Kinder and Mam Tor to the north and west, or east to Burbage Rocks and south to Froggatt Edge and the Derwent Valley cutting its wooded route towards Chatsworth.

From Higger Tor, head off north along the summit path, then downhill to the minor road (SK 256823). Cross the road and beyond the fencing bear left and head across the moorland before going steeply downhill towards Hathersage. Take care on this descent before going through two wooden gates on to a wider track. As it bears right at the foot of this route, turn left at the fingerpost towards Mitchell Field (SK 247817). Keep to the left of this house and beyond it, and then look out for a signpost right, crossing a grassy area into a small wood, across a small stream and up to a stile into fields. Bear slightly right towards the next wall stile and then up the gentle slope along the path to Scraperlow, a lovely house with large lawns and an interesting pub lamp over its side door. Follow their drive to the left of the lawns, through an automatic gate and eventually keep straight on where their drive bears left. (NB. The owners have been trying to alter this route around their land and it may now be completed, but it should still be easy to reach the next section) Keeping close to the wall on your right, the path soon drops down through a delightful wooded walk. In May, this woodland has a carpet of bluebells, punctuated by beds of white flowers. This path leads down to a wider track behind large houses before reaching the A6187 again.

Cross over the main road, and then walk up the footpath to the left for 50 yards. Turn right by a tree and head down the steep signposted path, going down some steps at the bottom before following the narrow path behind houses and gardens. Turn left on to the minor road down to the B6001 near to Hathersage station road.

Go straight across the road, walking under the railway bridge, until you reach a field gate in front of the grounds of Nether Hall. Turn left taking the signposted path as far as Leadmill Bridge and back to your starting point across the main road.

Presented on behalf of Marple District Rambling Club; with over 350 members, the Club organises up to five graded walks every Thursday and up to four every Sunday, all led by volunteer members.

For further information, contact the Chairman, Sue Gilmore on 07775 620398, or the Membership Secretary, Claude Prime on 0161 483 8596 or visit www.marple-uk/community/ rambling to see the walks programme