Shepherds Meeting Stones
1
SK167938 From the turning circle, known as Kings Tree, situated at the end of Howden Reservoir, go north through the gate and follow the trail 1.3km to cross the River Derwent at Slippery Stones packhorse bridge. Turn left along the track, heading north-east, then cross a wooden footbridge over a stream, turning right to where the track forks by an NT sign for Howden Moor.
2
SK170953 Bear right, and after crossing a small stream follow the track left, up the steep hillside, passing the quarries. Eventually the ground levels out, so continue generally north-east along the rough track, sometimes paved, ascending to a large cairn at the top of Cut Gate End.
3
SK185960 Turn left and follow the faint moorland path north-west, across boggy ground in wet conditions, for 1.3km to the trig pillar on Outer Edge. From the pillar proceed along the path generally north for 1.1km then follow it as it curves due west for 3.7km to arrive at a line of large boulders running north-east. The largest, above head height sits on the right of the path.
4
SK138985 Head south-east to a rock outcrop, Dean Head Stones, overlooking the Upper Derwent Valley.
5
SK139981 On reaching the outcrop go east to the Shepherds Meeting Stones. Cross Hoar Clough at a suitable point and continue east along the top of the valley. Choose a suitable way around the fenced area, the south-east boundary tends to be driest, but a way through the centre is available but with more groughs to negotiate. Cross Coldwell Clough and follow the stream uphill, bearing right each time it forks, until it turns south east as the hill-top levels out. Walk south-east across Horse Stone Naze, the edge giving superb views across the Dark Peak,
Cranberry Clough in the Upper Derwent Valley. including Kinder Scout, Bleaklow, and the Derwent Edge, then turn to the Horse Stone, a large layered boulder set on its own.
6
SK158975 From the Horse Stone, head east along the faint path through the boulder field to cross Stainery Clough. Once across ascend the hillside on a fairly well-defined path, south-east to reach Crow Stones Edge.
7
SK170968 Continue south-east, keeping to the higher ground, passing by the remains of the Consul Aircraft on the
8
SK176964 Turn right and work your way downhill, keeping to the left of the stream. Eventually a track becomes evident. Cross the ford and follow the track around the hillside, then on to a wide track on the eastern bank of the River Derwent.
9
SK170961 Turn left, following the track back to the wooden footbridge crossed earlier in the day. Re-cross and retrace the morning’s steps over Slippery Stones and back to the turning circle at Kings Tree.