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High Stones is the high point of Sheffield and South Yorkshire. It lies within Howden Moors along Howden Edge. This is a remote moor well away from the crowds and the walker is likely to be on their own here. Howden Moor in general has a reputation as being wet and boggy but the area between High Stones and Margery Hill has an excellent path; as are the access paths up and down on this walk. This hill gives great views over Bleaklow, Kinder and east over most of South Yorkshire and beyond.

Kings Tree is the name given to the tree at the small roundabout at the end of the road. From here, walk through the gate and then 2km up the track to reach the bridge over the river at Slippery Stones. Cross this bridge and continue another 100m to reach the path that doubles back on the east side of the reservoir. Follow this track around Howden reservoir to the dam. Just past the dam and before the entrance to Abbey Clough, there is a track heading north east and uphill. Follow this grassy track up through the trees and onto the open moor. The track skirts around the summit of Nether Hey before descending slightly. High Stones is hidden from the walker for most of this route. The stones that are visible here on the ascent are Wet Stones, Follow the track north uphill and along the ridge to reach the high point that is High Stones. The summit was marked by a pile of stones but as of 12th November 2024, these have been removed (kicked over?) and there is nothing marking the true summit. From the summit there are good views of Kinder around to Bleaklow and over much of South Yorkshire. (7.5kms. 280m. 2hrs. 50min.)

From the summit there is a path around the edge, variously called Howden Edge and Wilfrey Edge. Nearing Margery Hill and after a short descent a fence is reached. Turn right, east, and follow the fence line to the trig marking the summit of Margery Hill. There is a distinct but maybe wet path north from Margery Hill to the Cut Gate path. Follow this path as best you can. The Cut Gate path is well define, and rocky. Follow the Cut Gate Path west to descend to the Upper Derwent Valley. Once at the main Upper Derwent track turn left, south to cross the river again at Slippery stones and then retrace your steps along the track to Kings Tree, (5.0kms. 50m. 1hrs. 40min.)

12th November 2024 A nice November day with sunny periods after a long period of typical November weather of mist. It was cold especially on the tops. Over the whole walk I only met one fellow walker, until back at Slippery Stones. On my previous visit the summit was marked with a small pile of stones, but I did see online that this had been replaced woith a tall thin stack of stones marking the summit. These have been kicked down and removed, and on my visit there was nothing marking the summit. This is a pity for the high point of Sheffield.

22nd July 2019 Another visit to High Stones, and this time in the heat of summer. Again there was nobody about despite this being the start of the school holidays. This is a place to get away from it all. The paths chosen on this walk were dry, this is despite a thunderstorm the hight before. A great walk away and somewhere to be by yourself.

28th August 2018 Maybe not a sunny day, overcast, but the walk was undertaken at the end of summer 2018 in which the sun had dried out the wet moorland. At the time of the walk the reservoirs were meant to be 46% full, but Howden and Derwent looked very empty. Often on walks like this nobody is seen but perhaps because this was just after the Bank Holiday there was a few people out on High Stones. A good walk not least because of the dry conditions and the paths throughout.