Stanage Edge

Starting point  and OS Grid reference: Hollin Bank Car Park (SK238837)		Ordnance Survey Map OL1 The Peak District – Dark Peak Area. Buy this map from List of OS Maps
Distance: 7 Miles	Date of Walk: 20 October 2010
Ascent: Descent: See Walking Time Calculator	1098ft (335m) 1102ft (336m)
Traffic light rating:    (For explanation see My Walks page)
For advice on .gpx files see My Walks page	Click the PDF logo above to give a printable version of this walk without the photos.

To view route as a dynamic Ordnance Survey map click here.

Introduction: Stanage Edge is a ridge of gritstone outcrop beloved of climbers stretching for about 4 miles altogether. This walk along most of it gives spectacular views of the Hope and Edale Valleys. It is an easy walk but it should be remembered that this is an exposed ridge which will be hard hit by any strong winds and rain so pick your conditions and be prepared!

To get to the starting point of the walk, take the A6013 to Ladybower Reservoir. At the south end of the reservoir is a narrow road opposite a telephone box (SK202850) heading south east. The 1:25000 OS map shows it as New Road. Take this road and ignore any turns off. Ignore the first car parking area you come to at a sharp right hand bend and continue to a second car park on the left at Hollin Bank. The patch immediately by the road is free. Start the walk here (SK238837). A small van selling great coffee, hot chocolate etc. is here most of the time.

Start: Walk parallel to the road in the car park in a south easterly direction until you reach the end of the trees. Turn left and follow the obvious path towards Stanage Edge  which will be clearly visible. After crossing a patch of open ground, you go through some woodland. Walk up on to Stanage Edge itself (SK240844). Turn left (NW) and follow the top of the ridge along. You will get the full benefit of the magnificent views.

If caught by bad weather or in need of somewhere to sit for lunch, there is a shelter above High Neb (at SK231853). Continue along the Edge and as you look below it, you will see another path on a closing trajectory. As they meet, turn left on to this path.

Follow the path for about 500 metres keeping a look-out for another path on the right (SK224859). The main path appears to follow the line of the ridge not least because climbers frequently use it but you do not want this, unless there is a reason to drastically shorten the walk. The main path will lead you back to the car park.

Having taken the right turn, the path is quite clear at first but becomes rather indistinct and is difficult to follow across the heather. It heads SW for about 0.8 miles then turns south. You are heading for a disused quarry at SK216840 where you join New Road along which you drove to begin the walk. On reaching the road, turn left and follow the road as it climbs for 0.4 miles.

Look out for a footpath on the right hand side (SK221839).

Follow this path through the trees and as they peter out, look for a right turn on to another footpath. Follow this path until you go through a gateway by Upper Hurst Farm (SK223835) turn left here and follow the wall to the corner of the field by some trees. Climb the stile into a field and cross this to the road. Turn right and you will see a finger post pointing left, the continuation of the route, along a broad farm track.

Follow this track avoiding another footpath on the right until it descends into the valley  to the beautifully situated Green House (SK229838). Pass between Green House and other buildings, staying on the track.

The track climbs past the ruins of an old mill and a pretty mill dam if you climb the banking to have a look. Cross the stream and continue to climb. Do not turn right to follow the stream. The path remains parallel with a copse of trees briefly then passes through another copse and out on to the road. Turn left and your starting point at the car park is just a couple of hundred yards along, past the public toilets.

If you need to buy any hiking equipment/clothing before your trip see the Hiking Store

All information on this site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.