Around Little Howden Moor

Around Little Howden Moor
Hill Summit : Back Tor[SK198910, 538m.]
Start : Fairholms Car Park. Payment car park at the Fairholms centre.[SK173894 210m ]
Summary : Fairholms Car Park - Derwent Reservoir - Abbey Brook - Cartledge Stones - Back Tor - Derwent Reservoir - Fairholms Car Park.
distance : 14.0km.
ascent : 330m.
time : 4hr. 40min.

Little Howden Moor is on the east of Derwent Reservoir, between Abbey Clough and Back Tor. Once on the top the moor there are extensive areas of "flat" moorland with views, on a good day, in all directions. This is a quiet area of the Peak District and on many days the walker will not see anyone until they get to the popular area of Back Tor and Lost Lad.

Sheffield

Current Weather

Last Updated today at : 23:42:00

Overall : overcast clouds
Temperature : 5degC.
Wind Speed : 14km/hr.
Wind Direction : W
Clouds : overcast clouds
Precipitation : none
Sunrise : 08:13:40
Sunset : 15:46:55
: Times are GMT add 1 hour for BST

Data from openweathermap.org

Leave Fairholms and follow the paths across the field in front of the Derwent Dam to the eastern corner. Ascend the steps here to reach the track that follows the eastern shore of Derwent reservoir. Follow this track for some 2km to reach the start of Abbey Brook. Just prior to a bridge there is a signposted route up the clough. Follow the track as it ascends to a gate and then onto the hillside. Just keep going until Sheepfold Clough is reached. Now cross the stream and follow the path along the direction of Abbey Brook. Just keep going as height is gained and the walker reaches the flat moorland that is Little Howden Moor. As you walk over the moor on the path Cartledge Stones comes into view on the right. Continue along the line of Abbey Brook until a fence is seen that climbs the hillside to the west of Cartledge Stones. Follow this path to reach Cartledge Stone and climb to the top. (7.0kms. 280m. 2hrs. 40min.)

The views from Cartledge Stones are extensive. Over much of South Yorkshire, down towards Chatsworth and over to Kinder. The route now goes south down Carteledge Stones Ridge to Back Tor. Much of this path is made up of solid limestone flag stones making walking easy. Back Tor is a distinctive top with the white trig point on top of the rocks. Great views again here. Follow the path down to Lost Lad and continue along the footpath around the top of Green Stiches then continue west to the broken wall. Go through the stile and follow the distinctive footpath initially north west then around to the south west, descending all the time. Finally reach the east side of Derwent Reservoir at Walkers Clough. Retrace your steps back to Fairholms down the track and then paths under the dam wall. (7.0kms. 50m. 2hrs. 10min.)

31st March 2024 This was an anti-clockwise circuit. Climbed out of Fairholms and onto Back Tor in total mist with no visibility. Then as I walked along the path north the cloud lifted, still misty but could see. Walked down Abbey Clough and it got out fine for the walk back along the reservoir. met some people out scrambling motor bikes around Carteledge Rocks who were ruining the path as well as disturbing the peace with their engine noise.