Walk leader: Jonathan O
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Difficulty: Strenuous
Start time: 09:40
End time: 19:00
Start point: Heatherdene Car Park, Ladybower Reservoir, A6013, Hope Valley S33 0BY
Start point - What 3 Words: ///albatross.spoons.dwarf
Route type: Linear
End Point: The Old Nags Head, Grindsbrook Booth, Edale, Derbyshire, S33 7ZD
Distance (in miles): 17.5
Ascent (in meters): 1200
Which Ethels are included in your walk, if any?: Back Tor (Derwent Edge), Lost Lad Hillend, Win Hill, Lose Hill
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 walk along the bank of Ladybower Reservoir before climbing steeply to reach the summit of Win Hill, then descending to 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 Old Nags Head for well-deserved food and drink.
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 multiple very steep and rocky climbs and descents. There are also sections of peat bogs along the route, as well as other wet and muddy areas. 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 recommended. Plenty of layers, waterproofs, and plenty of food and drink are essential. Please also bring a torch (head torch recommended) in case it begins to go dark before we finish.
Please note that this will be a fast-paced walk (requiring a good level of fitness), This will be a muddy or boggy walk (requiring sturdy walking boots).
Public transport or car sharing options:
Outbound:
Bus 257 departing Sheffield Interchange at 09:00, arrives Heatherdene (Ashopton Road) 09:34.
Alternatively catch the 08:15 train from Sheffield to Bamford arriving at 08:36, and then walk 2.3 miles to the Heathdene Car Park.
Return train options depart Edale Railway Station at: 19:33, 20:32, or 21:33, with a journey time of 33 minutes.
Public transport is strongly encouraged for this linear walk. For those who prefer to drive, I recommend parking at either the walk end point in Edale, or in between in Hope, then catching the train (08:32 or 08:38 respectively) to Bamford (arrive 08:42), and walking 2.3 miles to Heatherdene Car Park. Please be aware that there is limited parking in both Hope or Edale which fills up quickly on weekends. Please try to car share and allow plenty of time to find a parking space.