Sheffield

Current Weather

Last Updated today at : 06:47:37

Data from openweathermap.org

The Derwent Valley splits Bleaklow between the large plateau to the west and the edges to the east. This walk goes up the pleasant Derwent Valley and then onto the eastern edges with their extensive views over South Yorkshire and beyond. A great area to get away from it all in this popular part of the country.

Go through the gate and follow the path to Slippery Slopes, and over the River Derwent via the Pack Horse Bridge. From here the route follows the track along the Upper Derwent valley. Just past Stannery Clough the track becomes a path but still follow this onto Hoar Clough. Follow the path up Hoar Clough, up the true left bank towards the ridge. Shepherds Meeting Point is an interesting set of rocks seen on the opposite bank on the ascent. As the clough flattens out the path crosses the river and makes for the ridge. Once in the flatter ground the route goes over to Featherbed Moss. There are a number of paths over the moor, some wetter and more difficult due to the groughs than others. The best way is to follow the public footpath as seen on the OS map. On the way a short detour to Dean Head Rocks may be in order.

Once at the boundary ridge turn right / east and make your way along the ridge. This is a remote part of the Peak District but the most striking part of the view is over to the Woodhead Pass and towards Barnsley. Looking over to the Woodhead Pass it is clear why this suffers from snow closures in winter. The ridge over Howden Edge is often wet. However there has been a lot of conservation work taking place in an attempt to reduce the erosion in the area. The results have been positive and the area is not as wet as it has been in the past. The route keeps as much as possible to the boundary line, the high ground over to Howden Edge. Hoar Stones are set just below the ridge and worth a visit on the way. A detour to Hoar Stones should be from the ridge and back, any contemplation of cutting corners here will end in large groughs. Continue along Howden Edge to the high point at 514m. (7.5kms. 210m. 2hrs. 40min.)

Horse Stone can be clearly seen from the high point. From here it is a relatively easy approach to the rounded hill and of course the rocks of Horse Stone. Follow the faint path to Horse Stone. The rocks around this part of the Peak District are most interesting. Take in the view from Bleaklow Stones around to Crow Stones Edge and beyond. Now return back to the edge, at the high point. The walker will regret and corners cut here as the area can be very wet. Continue east along the ridge, following the path along the high point of the ridge to reach Outer Edge and the trig point. From here continue along the path to reach Cut Gate. This is a very good path that is descended to reach the Upper Derwent valley by Slippery Stones bridge. Follow the track over the bridge and then back to Kings Tree. (6.0kms. 50m. 1hrs. 50min.)

2nd June 2025 I undertook this route after a couple of days of rain following a prolonged dry spell this spring. It was surprising how wet some of the areas were, although the top of Howden Edge had good walking. After visiting Horse Stone I decided to walk down Horse Naze. There were the odd path but overall it is a bit of a fight through the undergrowth. Gaiters and long trousers needed to be protected from the ticks.

1st May 2019 There has been a fair amount of rain recently but the ridge was not seriously wet. I missed the diversion down to Horse Stone and I followed the ridge the full length to Outer Edge and then Cut Gate. There are reasonable paths all along the ridge much improved with the conservation work of damming the groughs and installing hessian sacks along the path. Apart from around the honey-pot of Kings Tree I saw no other walkers which was surprising as this was a nice spring May Day.

22nd May 2018 In an attempt to get a dry experience with this route, I attempted it after a prolonged dry period. Underfoot was not wet at all which was great. On the top ridge, Featherbed Moss to Howden Edge, work has been carried out to stop the erosion and to dry out some of the areas. Once away from the main track / path along the River Derwent there are few paths. I followed the small sheep tracks which are often better than those marked on the OS maps. A great walk in the sunshine.