Derwent Valley Skyline
A challenging 23-mile moorland circuit of the source and first miles of the River Derwent in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: SK 197 864
Distance: 23 miles (37 km)
Time: 8–11 hours
Duration: 1–2 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
OL1 The Peak District – Dark Peak Area
Summary
The Derwent Valley Skyline is a serious mountain walk in the Dark Peak region of the Peak District National Park. It is a varied and demanding route, often traversing difficult terrain that necessitates competent navigational skills. Starting at the village of Ashopton near Ladybower Dam, the route crosses the reservoir A57 bridge and climbs, skirting Crook Hill to Bridge-End Pasture. The ascent continues to Alport Castles via Rowlee Pasture, and further up still along Birchen Hat to the trig point on Alport Moor, which unusually does not mark the highest point of the moor. After the trig point at 500 metres, another climb is necessary across The Ridge to Bleaklow Stones, which at 625 metres marks the high point of the skyline walk. A moorland track following stakes is required from Bleaklow Stones to reach the next point of the walk at Featherbed Moss. Howden Edge is then followed to a second trig point (541 metres) at Broadhead Clough Head. Howden Edge and Wilfrey Edge — including a third and final trig point (546 metres) on Margery Hill — come next, followed by a featureless moor crossing to Round Hill and a walk along Cartledge Stones Ridge to Derwent Edge, which includes the gritstone features of Back Tor, Cakes of Bread, Dovestone Tor, Salt Cellar, and Wheel Stones. The walk finishes by descending at Lead Hill back down to Ashopton.