Hathersage, Padley and Stannage Edge

It is not difficult to find a good walk around Hathersage, but this one brings together the best of many options.

The town itself makes an excellent starting point: it is on the railway line from Sheffield to Manchester; it is well served with cafes, pubs and food shops; it has parking; it has two good outdoor equipment shops; and it has a generally pleasant feel.

The walk starts by dropping down to valley bottom and following the river Derwent. Then a pleasant detour through the scatter of houses west of Grindleford and to the station cafe. A steady uphill climb through Yarncliff Woods and Padley Gorge, one of the local beauty spots. Up onto the moors and over the craggy tops of Carl Wark and Higger Tor. Along Stannage Edge for a couple of miles, And finally dropping back along the valley back to Hathersage.

This area can get very busy in pleasant weather and on a weekend. The paths are well-trodden and easy to follow.

The walk should take slightly over 4 hours. There is enough uphill work to make you feel it, but no one section is arduous.


There are many opportunities just to slow down, admire the view, or just watch what other people get up to on their weekend.

A few more photos on the Waypoints tab.