The "Stones" lie on the southern edge of Bleaklow overlooking Westend. From here the water flows down the Westend, south west, to fill up Howden reservoir. This route follows a horseshoe up from Howden reservoir to this high point of Bleaklow. The area around here has been much changed over the past decade. Gone are the extensive desolate areas of dark peak bog, to be replaced by a more stable landscape of green grass. Don't be too disappointed; there are still some areas of peat and the area can be very wet.

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From the parking by Howden reservoir, go through the gate and follow the track up through the forest. This is a good track making for a fast paced start. This track is followed along the Westend through the forest. At the end of the forest and it continues by climbing up the north east slopes of the valley to reach the ridge to Round Hill. From here a clear path is seen climbing up to Round Hill, albeit over some boggy moorland which will be wet after a long period of wet weather. Follow this path to the shelter marking the summit of Round Hill. (4.5kms. 280m. 2hrs. 0min.)

From Round Hill there are two prominent sets of Stones on the edge of Bleaklow. First target is Barrow Stones. Leave Round Hill and walk over to Barrow Stones following the small path. There are some interesting rock sculptures here. From here contour around, on a path to Grinah Stones. Again some interesting rock formations. Don't be tempted to climb onto the skyline here as any route to Bleaklow Stones is wet and full of groughs. Instead find the path that contours around at 570m until it climbs to the rocks of Bleaklow Stones. Again there are many interesting rock features here. Arguably the best set of stones. From here you can see the stakes that mark the edge of Bleaklow. The stakes to the west lead to Bleaklow Hill (A possible extension of this route). The view from Bleaklow Stones shows the Bleaklow plateau - remarkably flat. A wild remote and formitable place on a dark wet day! The view north is obscured by Bleaklow itself, but the view south to Derwent Edge, Kinder and the rest of the Peak District is impressive. (3.0kms. 100m. 1hrs. 10min.)

Look south from Bleaklow Stones and The Ridge marking the west edge of the Westend is obvious and this is the way down. Rather than making straight to The Ridge is is worth walking west around the edge path for 500m until a clear, and less boggy, way down The Ridge is clear. Now descend down The Ridge. Follow this route south going through a gate prior to descending the Ridge. There is a path here, and indeed all the way down this high ground but it is not very clear in places and can be easily lost. Keep to the high ground and cross a round raise in the ridge. Once over here the trig point at Westend moor can be seen and the route follows the indistinct path to this trig point. From here a more definite path can be followed that keeps to the south west of the high ground. Stop at the wall near to Birchens Hat. It is worth continuing on for a short distance to see Alport Castles, the result of an ancient landslip. Back to Birchens Hat and down the distinct path north east that descends through the forest to meet the tracks in the valley bottom. (6.0kms. 0m. 1hrs. 50min.)

July 2018 Currently (Summer 2018) there are timber operations underway in the forest at the bottom of the Westend. There are signs on the north bank of the river asking walkers to keep away. This is probably a good idea. The timber operations also restrict the parking at the roadside. A slight change in this route is suggested. Park at Kings tree at the end of the tarmac road. From here walk north along the track until the path up Linch Clough is seen. Follow the path up Linch Clough and when it gets to the stream, cross and ascend Cow Hey to get to the ridge. Follow the ridge where Black Dyke Drain is fond. Follow this drain to the end from where the original route is met. There is not a problem descending the public footpath at the end of the walk.