Leave Fairholms and follow the paths across the field in front of the Derwent Dam to the eastern corner. Ascend the steps here to reach the track that follows the eastern shore of Derwent reservoir. Follow this track for some 2km to reach the start of Abbey Brook. Just prior to a bridge there is a signposted route up the clough. Follow the track as it ascends to a gate and then onto the hillside. Just keep going until Sheepfold Clough is reached. It is possible to cut short the route here by walking up Sheepfold Clough to Back tor. This route now crosses Sheepfold Clough and follows the path along the direction of Abbey Brook. Just keep going as height is gained and the walker reaches the flat moorland that is Little Howden Moor. As you walk over the moor on the path, Cartledge Stones comes into view on the right. Continue along the line of Abbey Brook until a fence is seen that climbs the hillside to the west of Cartledge Stones. Again, this route can be shortened by walking up the eastern line of the fence to reach the height of Cartledge Rocks and then over to the path alon Cartledge Stones Ridge. Rather than taking the shortcut follow the path along the line of Abbey Clough, and then over the moor to reach Cartledge Stones Ridge further north than Cartledge Rocks. (8.0kms. 280m. 3hrs. 0min.)

The path along Cartledge Stones Ridge has been much improved in latter days. Follow the path south until it reached the height around Cartledge Rocks. From here the views are extensive: over much of South Yorkshire, down towards Chatsworth and over to Kinder. The route continues south along Carteledge Stones Ridge to Back Tor. Much of this path is made up of solid limestone flag stones making walking easy. Back Tor is a distinctive top with the white trig point on top of the rocks. Great views again here. From Back Tor follow the path over the moor to Lost Lad with a direction plaque. The views from here are excellent and with the help of the plaque you will be able to pick out many points of interest in this area of the Peak District. Follow the track west but rather than continuing along the track as it curves to the south, go straight ahead on a path than descends north west to a small clough and onto a wall. Climb over the wall at the stile, and follow this good track down to Abbey Clough. Then follow the uphill track to Derwent Reservoir. Retrace your steps back to Fairholms down the track and then paths under the dam wall. (7.5kms. 50m. 2hrs. 20min.)

22nd October 2005 Mid autumn and the colours around Derwent Reservoir were at their best with greens, yellows browns and some red. Once up at the height, there are great views all around and few people. Cartledge Rocks are a good place to sit and have a coffee taking in the view. Nobody around when I was at Back Tor, and perfect blue sky. As expected on this nice day the walk back around Derwent Reservoir was busy.

31st March 2024 This was an anti-clockwise circuit. Climbed out of Fairholms and onto Back Tor in total mist with no visibility. Then as I walked along the path north the cloud lifted, still misty but could see. Walked down Abbey Clough and it got out fine for the walk back along the reservoir. Met some people out on scrambling motor bikes around Carteledge Rocks who were ruining the path as well as disturbing the peace with their engine noise.