gritstoneedge.co.uk

CORVID-19 Hill-walking is great exercise and it is good to get out in the outside world and it is inherently safer and healthier than staying indoors. But we still lneed to take precautions whilst outside. Please do not go out walking if you are showing sisns of Corvid-19. When out walking make sure you give people space - 1m at least and preferable 2m. Remember that if it feels too crowded then walk away and try somewhere else. If you get into difficulty the MRT will come out to help you but they should not have to put themselves into danger from this virus. Take Care Out There.

Alport Castles

OS Map :	110
Start :	Ouzelden Clough Roadside
	SK165910
	250
	There is some parking near to the end of this arm of the Derwent reservoir. Keep the gates clear for access.
Summary :	Ouzelden Clough Roadside - Lockerbrook Farm - Lockerbrook Heights - Rowlee Pasture - Alport Castles - Ditch Clough - Howden Reservoir - Ouzelden Clough Roadside.
distance :	11.5km.
ascent :	240m.
time :	3hr. 50min.

on the way up.

pathe to Alport Castles.

Alport Castles.

On the way down.

Through the forest.

Back at the resrvoir.

Edale

Current Weather

Last Updated today at : 01:55:38

Overall :	scattered clouds
Temperature :	15degC.
Wind Speed :	6km/hr.
Wind Direction :	ENE
Clouds :	scattered clouds
Precipitation :	none
Sunrise :	03:40:38
Sunset :	20:39:33
:	Times are GMT add 1 hour for BST

Data from openweathermap.org

Alport Castles are interesting and prominant peaks. The rock is standard gritstone but has an unstable look. The castles look like they are a consequense of a large land slide many millions of years ago. The best approach is from the top rather than ascending from the valley. This route comes from the Derwent Valley to view Alport Castles from the top keeping well away from the A57. The start of the route is along the Derwent reservoir that is only possible midweek. If you intend walking at the weekend Fairholms is the closest starting point.

Leave the parking space and walk 300m back along the road until the track heading up the hillside. This is clearly marked to Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre. Ascend this track and follow through the various woodlands to Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre. The track becomes tarmaced here. Follow for a further 400m past the farm. from where it becomes tarmaced. Follow along this road past the farm. This track rises along the distance giving increasing good glimpses of views over the Peak District. Continue 500m past the farm to the track junction; where the road descends. On the right is a path that climbs steeply to Lockerbrook Heights. There are some great views here over to Win Hill and Kinder. (2.0kms. 100m. 0hrs. 50min.)

From the road make to the stile and once over it there is an excellent path through Rowlee Pastures at .483. Ahead are Alport Castles. The path is much improved here. Follow the path to the wall marked on the OS map which is dilapidated. Follow the line of the wall towards Alport Castles. Time to stop here. Perhaps descend to the bottom via the path and explore the area. But, do return to the top of the castles, to the top path. Continue along this top path to the northern end of the Castles. Worth sitting a while here looking over the rock features and the views over to Kinder and Bleaklow. From here (Birchen Hat) follow the path and track down Ditch Clough to the valley floor. Again this is an excellent path. Follow the track 200m east to reach the road and follow the road back to the starting point. This is not a busy road, and there is a good footpath alongside most of the way. Indeed the road is closed at the weekends, so this is a midweek walk from this starting point. (9.5kms. 140m. 3hrs. 0min.)

3rd January 2019 A freezing cold New Years day but an enjoyable day walking over these moors. Currently there are timber operations that have closed the road at Westend. The parking for this route is not affected. Do take care at the bottom of Ditch Clough as the route goes past the timber stacks. At the time of my walk the lorries were moving the large machinery away so care is needed.

21st June 2018 Another fantiasticly sunny day as seems to be the norm this summer. The paths are really good so a nice walk up to see Alport castles. Good views over to Bleaklow and the northern edge of Kinder. Again, a mid week day and only a few people.