OUT AND ABOUT
The Win Hill Challenge Walk
With Tony & Stephanie Swaby of Dearne Valley Ramblers Photos: John Watson
A moderate 6.5 mile walk with breath-taking views across Derwent Valley, taking in sights of some fabulous peaks such as Lose Hill, Back Tor and the legendary Mam Tor while ascending through Wooler Knoll to Win Hill. Strenuous in places.
Start: Heatherdene Car Park (charges) near to Bamford, just off the A6013 (S33 0BY) Across from Ladybower Reservoir.
Walk straight ahead between the embankments and join the main path which forms a T junction. Turn left along a path that will take you to your ultimate destination - Win Hill.
As you walk along, look out across the beauty that is The Edale Valley. The range of hills commence with Lose Hill, leading along the ridge to Back Tor, and eventually to the majestic Mam Tor.
Walk towards the top of the car park past the toilet block. Go through the gate and follow the path to the main road down via steps. Taking care, cross the busy road and walk left, passing through the gates to the dam wall of Ladybower Reservoir. Walk along the dam wall, pass through the gate and turn right so that the reservoir waters are on your right. Follow the main track which sweeps to the left and continues to climb gradually. To your right you will see the impressive structure that is the Ashopton Viaduct which carries the heavy traffic along the A57 from Sheffield to Manchester.
On reaching an area with gated fields to your right and a bench on your left, turn immediately left after the bench, sign-posted Wooler Knoll. Continue climbing up the rugged path, taking care on the loose stones, and remain on the main path throughout. The wide path meanders and drops at stages, before rising once more, with a significant incline to negotiate.
The waters of Ladybower Reservoir can be seen through the fir trees with the distinctive sandy edges around it reminiscent of a beach. Carry on through the forest until the path levels out and the trees disappear. As you walk along this clearing look out for a gate on your left. Pass though it and enter Wooler Knoll, at which point the path climbs once more; the main intention is to get to the highest point.
There are trees on either side of the path and watch out again for loose stones. Eventually the path bends to the left, take note of old, lichen topped dry stone walls on your left, built many years ago by farmers as pens for sheep and livestock. This is a particularly beautiful part of the route and the light can be almost ethereal and magical.
Carry on the along this path until you emerge from the forest via a further gate.
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aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
The true origins of the hills’ names are unknown. One legend has it that the owner of the land had a wager with a fellow landowner, the bet relating to whoever could reach each respective summit first would win. There is no evidence to suggest that a battle ever took place here, neither have any ancient fortifications been unearthed.
Leave the summit and follow the path which leads in an easterly direction, heading down to the bottom of Win Hill via steps. You will see further forestation in front of you and the path leads through the trees. Walk along the path and do not deviate from it at any point.
The trees then give way to open walking along a pleasant grassy route; to the left you will see the township of Bamford with a panoramic view to the left of Ladybower Reservoir dam wall. The path drops down and bends to the left, descending considerably. Remain on the main path which wends its way back in the general direction of the reservoir.
Those with a keen eye will also spot Winnats
Pass above the town of Castleton. You will see the locations of Blue John, Speedwell and Peak Caverns, as well as the mediaeval castle perched on the escarpment above Castleton; the only blot on the landscape being the Hope Cement Works, built prior to the formation of the Peak District National Park.
Remain on the main path and you will see Win Hill looming before you in the distance. As you approach this high point, the road splits into two, with one leading off to the right which skirts Win Hill. The left hand path climbs up towards the summit and is well-worth the climb. Make your way up the trig point which marks the highest point and stop to enjoy the 360 degree panorama of beautiful Derbyshire landscape. Witness the splendour of Ladybower Reservoir, with the Derwent Valley leading off northerly in the distance. This is a great place to have lunch but watch out for the inquisitive mountain sheep that appear to have little fear of the many visitors that they encounter.
As you near the bottom, the path opens up into a field; follow the path straight ahead and then drop down to an un-gated entrance and onto the tarmac road. Turn left and you will see that the road bends to the right and over a stone bridge. Bear left at the bridge and walk up the road which gradually climbs and then emerges onto the western end of the wall of Ladybower Dam. You are now nearing the end of the walk. Turn right and pass through a gate which accesses the dam wall, cross the wall and then pass through a further gate (the one which you passed through as we set out on the walk), and to the A6013. Turn left and then almost immediately cross the road at the point where you will see the memorial wall. There is a gate to the right of this which takes you along a path and you back to Heatherdene car park.
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