Hayfield, Snake Path and Kinder Edges.

This walk in the Dark Peak area of Derbyshire is a long and challenging Trek, with a distance of 17.5 miles and over 3,000ft of ascent. Although most of the tracks are reasonable and straightforward, there are boggy sections and peat hags to contend with along the way. This is an extremely interesting and varied route with excellent views throughout, from fascinating gritstone and sandstone edges to wild open Moors. You will need to be a strong walker and possess good navigational skills to complete it.  Do try to pick a fine day if you can (not that easy in this country).
Starting from Hayfield you take the footpath to Snake Inn via William Clough and Ashop Valley.  Don't miss the views of Kinder Reservoir and Kinder Downfall as you head towards Ashop Head.  Turn East from here along the Snake Path, trying to avoid the boggy peat hags that seem intent on slowing your progress.  There are plenty of good views as we follow this path with the river Ashop to the right.  Crossing the river later we soon catch sight of the Snake Inn on the other side of the valley.  Now take in the view of Kinder Scout far above, this is the next objective but there is a way to go yet and some hard walking involved before we finally reach the high point of the trek.  Take a look at the Seal Stones and if you are lucky with good clear weather you will see Lose Hill to the south east with Mam Tor and the the long ridge joining them.  The route climbs up to Grindsbrook, crosses Crowden brook then reaches Crowden Tower.  From here follow the edge of Kinder Scout passing Kinder Low and Kinder Downfall.  Its back down to Hayfield now, this is a long hard day but enjoyable all the same, so please use the guide and maps; that way you will get the most out of your day on the Dark Peak.  Remember this is wild rough moorland and the weather conditions can change very quickly, so be prepared!! Have a great walk!

Guide Map for walk (not to scale)

Lathkill Dale.

Picturesque Lathkill Dale is a pleasant and interesting walk, visiting three beautiful Dales, with a wide variety of wildlife and flora.  The walk also passes through Limestone rock formations with the odd cave here and there.  Walking along the tranquil riverside sections with their Weirs and Eddy's you can relax and take in the beauty, whilst watching the many varieties of Wildfowl and other birds that are common along its banks.
This is a circular walk of about 17.3km (10.8mls) visiting Lathkill Dale, Bradford Dale and Caves Dale.  Lathkill Dale is a National Nature Reserve managed by English Nature and you will shortly pass one of their colourful Information signs with a heading of "From Monasteries to Mines".  The starting and finishing point is at the lovely little village of Monyash, along the way you will also pass close by the twin villages of Bradford and Youlgreave that are well worth a visit if you have time to spare.  As you descend deeper into the valley the scenery gets more rugged but interesting, with steepening valley sides exposing Limestone cliffs butts.  Allow at least six hours to complete the walk, for it should not be rushed but walked at a leisurely pace to give you chance to take in all its beauty and splendour. The paths in general are quite good but can get muddy in wet weather.  It is quite well signposted so route finding should not be a problem.  Enjoy!!

Guide Map for Walk (not to scale)