Leader: Jonathan
Difficulty: Strenuous
Start time: 09:40
End time: 18:00
Start point: Heatherdene Car park, Ladybower Reservoir, A6013, Hope Valley S33 0BY
End point: Edale Railway Station, S33 7ZA
Distance (in miles): 15.5
Ascent (in meters): 1070
Is your walk dog friendly?: No
Full description:
Did you know that the Peak District is home to two hills called Back Tor? In this walk we will go back to back as we visit both of the Back Tors.
We will start at Heatherdene Car park and walk along Ladybower Reservoir before steeply ascending Derwent Edge, passing the Coach and Horses rock formation on route to our first Back Tor, a gritstone outcrop and highest point on the Derwent Edge. From here we will descend via Lost Lads Hill End to the Derwent Dam. Next will be another steep ascent over Lockerbrook Coppice and then down through Woodcock Coppice to the Snake Road. After crossing the River Ashop we will climb through the woods to Hope Cross and follow the Roman Road towards Hope. The next climb will be Lose Hill before making our way along the ridge to our second Back Tor, hopefully with superb views over Edale, Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, and the Great Ridge. The final part of the walk descends over Barker Bank to Hollins Cross, and then to Edale and the pub.
This walk will be strenuous due to both the length, significant elevation gain, and constant undulation throughout. It will also be fast-paced requiring a good level of fitness. The terrain will include very steep and rocky climbs and descents. There are also sections of peat bogs along the route, and potentially other wet and muddy areas depending on the weather. Large sections of the route will be along edges and ridgelines and hence exposed to potential windy conditions with a lower temperature than in the valley. Sturdy walking boots are highly recommended.
We advise that this is not suitable as a first walk with SWG without prior experience of walking long distances at speed over such terrain.
Public transport or car sharing options:
Bus 257 departing Sheffield Interchange at 09:00, arrives Heatherdene (Ashopton Road) 09:36. Alternatively catch the 08:14 train from Sheffield to Bamford arriving at 08:35, and then walk 2.3 miles to the Heatherdene Car park.
Return bus 272 Peak Line from Hope (Post Office) towards Sheffield departing at 18:05 or 19:55. Journey time is 47 minutes. Return train options depart Hope (Derbyshire) Railway Station at: 18:24, 19:24, or 20:23, with a journey time of 27 minutes.