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Fire Risk in the Peaks: There have been numerous fires in the Peaks. These fires not only kill the ground level vegetation but also can go deep underground and destroy the underlying peat. There are signs all around the Peak District indicating that naked flames be they fires, barbecues, stoves or indeed any naked flames are banned in the Peak District. There is a hefty fine if these rules are broken. Take care when out walking and protect the Peaks. [July 2026]

Forestry Work: There is extensive forestry on the route from Ouzelden to Lockerbrook Farm. It is advised to stay away from this area and the route has been changed to avoid here. Also note that there are also forestry operations at the bottom of Ditch Clough but there is a route around these. [22nd May 2026]

Alport Castles

Alport Castles
Start : Fairholms Fairholms Parking (Paid).[SK173894 210m ]
Summary : Fairholms - Lockerbrook Farm - Lockerbrook Heights - Rowlee Pasture - Birchen Hat (Overlooking Alport Castles) - Ditch Clough - Howden Reservoir (@westend) - Fairholms
distance : 12.5km.
ascent : 300m.
time : 4hr. 20min.

Alport Castles are interesting and prominent rock structures. The rock is standard gritstone but has an unstable look, not dissimilar to Mam Tor. The castles look like they are a consequence of a large land slide many millions of years ago. The best approach is from the top rather than ascending from the valley. This route comes from the Derwent Valley to view Alport Castles from the top keeping well away from the A57.


Bamford

Current Weather

Last Updated today at : 19:36:34

Overall : overcast clouds
Temperature : 28degC.
Wind Speed : 11km/hr.
Wind Direction : WNW
Clouds : overcast clouds
Precipitation : none
Sunrise : 04:43:03
Sunset : 19:40:27
: Times are GMT add 1 hour for BST

Data from openweathermap.org

On the way up to the ridge.

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Path to Alport Castles.

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Alport Castles.

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Alport Castles.

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Alport Castles.

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Alport Castles.

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On the way down - top of Ditch Clough.

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Through the forest.

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Back at the resrvoir.

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From Fairholms walk up to the road and just opposite the exit, on the opposite side of the road there is signpost of a walking route to Lockerbrook. Follow this path, and track, as it winds through the forest. At the end of the forest walk through the field to reach the track to Lockerbrook Farm. Turn left to reach Lockerbrook Farm. The track becomes tarmaced at the farm. Follow along this track for a further 400m past the farm. This track rises slowly to its high point giving increasing good views over the Peak District. On the right there is a path that climbs steeply to Lockerbrook Heights. Here there are some great views here over to Win Hill and Kinder. (1.0kms. 140m. 0hrs. 40min.)

From the road walk to the stile. Climb the stile but stand on top for a great view over to Kinder and much of the Peak District. Climb down the stile and walk along the excellent path through Rowlee Pastures towards Alport Castles. The path is much improved here. Follow the path to the wall marked on the OS map which is dilapidated. Follow the line of the wall onto Alport Castles. Time to stop here. Perhaps descend to the bottom via the path and explore the area. But, do return to the top path. Continue along this top path to the northern end of the Castles, at Birchin Hat. It is worth sitting a while here looking over the rock features and the views over to Kinder and Bleaklow. (3.5kms. 140m. 1hrs. 20min.)

From here (Birchen Hat) follow the path and track down by Ditch Clough to the valley floor. Again this is an excellent path that reaches a forest and then descends to the road on the west of Howden Reservoir. There is currently (May 2026) forestry work and you cannot reach the road from the bottom of Ditch Clough. There is a path around the forestry works to the right. Once at the road follow the road around Howden Reservoir. Then it is onto Derwent Reservoir. As you pass Ouzelden you can clearly see the forestry operations and the restrictions to the path up to Lockerbrook. Continue around Derwent Reservoir, past the Dam and downhill back to Fairholms. Whilst this is walking along a, not busy, road, you can largely walk on a path alongside the road. (8.0kms. 20m. 2hrs. 20min.)

22nd May 2024 A lovely sunny day in late spring, indeed the warmest day of the year. Walked up from Fairholms which is shorter than parking at Ouzelden. The walk over the fields on the approach to Alport Castles is a great walk in the sunshine. As is the walk through the forest at the bottom of Ditch Clough. Yes it is a long way back to Fairholms but the views make it worth it. A fantastic work with few people about.

17th November 2023 Autumn is at its best now and the colours of the trees around Derwent Reservoir are quite spectacular. The walk up to Lockerbrook Farm was muddy and there is some timber operations occurring in the adjoining forest. Again the views over to Win Hill and Kinder are enhanced by the autumn colours. The descent through the wood is at its best at this time of year. A great day out on a sunny day between the many wet days of autumn.

3rd January 2019 A freezing cold New Years day but an enjoyable day walking over these moors. Currently there are timber operations that have closed the road at Westend. The parking for this route is not affected. Do take care at the bottom of Ditch Clough as the route goes past the timber stacks. At the time of my walk the lorries were moving the large machinery away so care is needed.

21st June 2018 Another fantiasticly sunny day as seems to be the norm this summer. The paths are really good so a nice walk up to see Alport castles. Good views over to Bleaklow and the northern edge of Kinder. Again, a mid week day and only a few people.