Bleaklow, Peak District
The true wildness and isolation of the Dark Peak’s Bleaklow can be experienced away from the crowds...
Leave the crowds to the other side of the hill and walk across isolated moorlands teeming with birdlife, lizards, and the sense of wildness and isolation that is often missing when walking in the Peak District.
This walk begins with a stiff climb up on to the moorland then a walk along an ancient peat cutting awash with ponds, wildlife, cotton grass, and signs of significant raptor activity. Then a short ascent up to the curvaceous rock formations of Bleaklow Stones and some superb views across the Peak District.
A short walk takes you to the outcrop of Grinah Stones for more fine views before seeking out the source of the River Derwent. The route then drops via Barrow Stones and Round Hill back into the Upper Derwent Valley, crossing the River Derwent and following the old monastic way to the bridge at Slippery Stones, passing some inviting swimming pools along the way.
Good nav skills will make progress across the open moors relaxing, allowing you to take in the spectacular wildness. And in springtime you may even be lucky enough to spot mountain hares.
1
SK167938 From the turning circle at Kings Tree go north through the gate. Just after crossing the small bridge go left and follow the stream north-west up Linch Clough for 650m, passing through a gate to open moorland, continuing until you reach a broken-down wall and a clear trod to the left.
2
SK162943 Turn left to cross the stream then follow the well-defined sledway, contouring round the hillside as you ascend to a small ditch. Go west towards the wall in front of you, then follow the line of the wall northwest to the foot of the peat cutting channel plainly seen as the moor levels out.
3
SK159940 Follow the wide cutting north-west for almost 3km, passing a small pond, crossing a wide shooting track, and passing a large dammed pond, until you reach a fork in the moorland path directly south of Round Hill.
4
SK137959
Bear left at the fork and follow the shooting track downhill to a gate just after crossing Grinah Grain. Go through the gate and follow the shooting track generally west between Grinah Stones and the head of Deep Grain, for 2km until you reach the foot of Bleaklow Stones. Choose a suitable point to ascend the hillside to the distinctive rock formations of Bleaklow Stones on the skyline.
5
SK112963 After examining the strange shapes of rock and taking in the view at Bleaklow Stones, head east along the narrow path crossing several streams and maintaining height until you reach Grinah Stones.
6
SK130961 From the nose of Grinah Stones turn due north for approx 500m until you reach the cairn and sign telling you that you’re at the source of the River Derwent.
7
SK131966 Turn east and walk to the gritstone outcrop of Barrow Stones, working your way through the boulders to the gate in the fence below the eastern side. Go through the gate and descend the steep rocky pathway to the large cairn on Round Hill.
8
SK137963 From Round Hill walk north-east, following the narrow path through the heather down the north-east flank of Fair Banks. As it nears the River Derwent, and the hillside becomes much steeper, bear north and follow the path down to the ruined sheepfold by the river. Cross the River Derwent and gain the shooting track at the foot of Coldwell Clough.
9
SK147975 From the foot of Coldwell Clough follow the shooting track downstream, keeping the River Derwent on your right, until the valley opens out at Swine Side, where you’ll find the deepest pools for a swim, and you reach the wooden footbridge across the river. Continue along the track south until it splits just before the stone bridge at Slippery Stones, where you bear right.
10
SK169952 Cross the stone arched bridge at Slippery Stones, ascend the track at the opposite side and go through the gate. Follow the wide forest track south until you arrive back at the turning circle at Kings Tree.