Edale

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Win Hill dominates the central Hope Valley above Bamford. It is noticeable from Stanage Edge, from Kinder and from the Hope Valley itself. There is a short steep climb up to the summit from Yorkshire Bridge before a pleasant walk along the ridge, Hope Brink, before descending to Ladybower Reservoir. It is then a good walk along the track around the reservoir back to the starting point.

Walk down the path leading out of the car park to meet the A6013 road at at the Ladybower Dam. Follow the public footpath across the dam and once at the other side turn left to reach the bottom of Parkin Clough, The route up Parkin Clough to Win Hill is steep. Follow the path alongside the stream, first through the woods where the path can be very muddy and slippery underfoot. A fence and style is thankfully reached and once over this the path improves significantly. Once out of the wood the view opens out and this same path is followed up to the trig point set on top of a rock formation. Here there is a fantastic view over the Hope Valley, over to Kinder and across to Stanage Edge, and most notably up the Derwent Reservoirs - arguably one of the best viewpoints in of the Peak District. (2.5kms. 290m. 1hrs. 20min.)

The route now follows the ridge along to Wooler Knoll. From the summit descend through the rocks to reach the path below. Follow this gentle descent all the way to Wooler Knoll, along the grassy ridge of Hope Brink. It is possible to cut short this route short by descending to Ladybower Reservoir from this point, through the woods. However a longer route continues along the ridge, beside the forest edge to reach Hope Cross. (4.0kms. 0m. 1hrs. 10min.)

From the gate, stile and wall complex at Hope Cross, use the stile to get into the forest and follow the obvious path that descends through the trees. Soon this path takes a sharp right and becomes less distinct through the forest. It is easy to lose the true path in this forest as there are so many but this does not matter as long as the walker keeps to the correct direction and continues to descend towards the reservoir. At the bottom of the descent there is a good wide track around ladybower Reservoir which we follow east back to the dam. This is a nice walk around the reservoir, sometimes in the trees, sometime with views over to the Alport rocks or over to Stanage. But always a view of the busy A57 Snake Road. Towards the end thetrack bends around south, to reach the Ladybower Dam. Cross the dam, cross the road and then follow the path to return to the car park. (6.0kms. 20m. 1hrs. 50min.)

14th October 2021 It gets no easier to walk up Parking Clough. However once at the top most of the uphill is done for the day. There is a nice walk up to the summit of Win Hill and then down the path to Hope Cross. A very windy day but great views over the Hope Valley and down towards Edale. Once down through the forest it is along the reservoir. It was quiet today as the Snake Pass is being repaired and closed to traffic. Surprising how quiet the area becomes - or conversely how noisy the A57 is.

15th October 2020 A lovely autumn day with white clouds in the blue sky. Parkin Clough is always tough first out of the car but from then on the walk is great. I really like sitting on the broken wall on Wooler Knoll with the view down the Edale Valley. A peaceful place on a autumnal Thursday. The walk finished with a quiet wander along Ladybower reservoir; particularly quiet as the A57 is closed for road works.

30th December 2018 The dry summer has moved on and the route up Parking Clough is back to being quite muddy. Despite the rivers running full Ladybower Reservoir is still low, not as low as before but still low for the time of year.

19th June 2018 The day started out with clear blue skies. The views over the reservoir were fantastic. Later it clouded over. This walk was undertaken after a long dry spell and so the climb up Parkin Clough was drier than usual. Fantastic views over the Hope Valley when wandering along the ridge. A pleasant wander around the reservoir to finish off.