There is a sense of remoteness in this area of the Peak District. Away from the paths the moors can be challenging with the areas of heather, bracken and in particular peat. But the challenge is worth it with a great day out in the moors. The Woodhead pass is to the north and it seems perculiar to see the lorries pass over the distant moor on their way from Yorkshire to Manchester. Cut gate is an old track climbing high over hills originaly used for travelling from South Yorkshire to Derbyshire. This route starts off up Cut Gate climbing to the top of the moors.

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From the car park follow the marked paths around the north of the reservoir. A bridge crosses the river leading to Cut Gate. The route goes 100m east then back west before openning out to a wide track climbing out of the valley in a southerly direction. The path is followed through the many turns to the summit at Howden Edge. There is a wide vista from Cut Gate north and over to the east over to Barnsley and South Yorkshire. There is a small path left (SE) which is followed to Margery Hill. To reach the summit pass the fenced enclosure on the left and make for the trig point at the summit of Margery Hill. The trig point is set in a hollow meaning the views down the Derwent Valley and over Bleaklow are better away from the trig point. (7.0kms. 300m. 2hrs. 40min.)

From the summit of Margery hill retrace the path back to Cut Gate. Continue in this general direction to Outer Edge. There is a path here which is more noticeable in drier weather. In wet weather there is likely to be many deviations away from peat groughs. There is a trig point at Outer Edge with views of the moors that we have visited and are about to visit. weather. (2.0kms. 20m. 0hrs. 40min.)

Continue in the same general direction of the path to Cat Clough Head. At the top of Near Cat Clough (SK973908) there is a thin path down the clough itself. This path descends the east side of the clough down the line of the shooting biutts. At the bottom it reaches the bridge over the stream. Follow the track up to Upper Hordron and then onto Hordron. Follow the path along the direction of the Porter river and then through the trees to reach Crooklands Wood. Either follow the upper or lower path through the trees to reach the car park. (6.0kms. 50m. 1hrs. 50min.)