Bakhat one

Verified Slow Way

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This is a wonderful route - no part is anything other than pleasant and quiet, and none of the terrain is too hard going. Some sections were a bit muddy - I would recommend older shoes or ideally waterproof walking boots if there has been any rain recently - and there are some steep and uneven sections. The views from the hill near Rowland and the walk from Calver to Hathersage along the river were particular highlights.

Lovely route alongside the Derwent in the shadow of Froggatt Edge. Really nice mixture of terrains from riverside fields to dale top paths. Very muddy couple of fields when I completed it in January but all easily navigable.

This was the last and best part of my 3 route walk from Matlock to Hathersage via Darley Dale and Hathersage. The ups and downs made this quite tough in the context of that walk, but overall this is a very enjoyable route through fine scenery, all the better for being seen in autumn colours.

Leaving the meeting place at Bakewell, we follow Bridge Street down to and over the Wye Bridge (since I started on the left side of the road, I used Anchor Square to avoid unnecessary road crossings). Beyond the bridge we take the surfaced path left into the fields by the river, following the field paths to Holme Lane, where we turn left to the footbridge over the Wye. Here we turn right up the hill, following Holme Bank fairly steeply into the wood. The way forward continues on grass and stones, mostly enclosed by stone walls, over a hill with fine views and down to the Monsal Trail. Here you can either follow the right of way towards the farmhouse or take a well trodden shortcut to a gap in the wall, which removes the need for road walking.

Beyond the A6020 we cross a field (in winter one can take a straight line, but when the crops are high it might be better to follow the right hand edge of the field), At the wall a well trodden path leads along the side of the plantation to a track which leads up to Longreave Lane. We go left a very short distance then up the road to the right into Rowland, following the surfaced road up the hill beyond the village (there was a road closure here yesterday because they were digging up the pipes, but I was able to walk past this without any trouble). As the road gains height the views improve in all directions, and the road crosses an open grazing area defended by cattle grids. Beyond this a small path goes right through the rough grassland to the Deep Rake quarry (which is worth looking into). The path line on the ground is not quite as plotted on the OS map or here but is easy to follow. We cross Bramley Lane and follow a gravelled farm track down the hill beyond, steepening as we get closer to Calver. At the last zigzag a shortcut path takes us straight on down to the road.

We cross Hassop Road and continue steeply down High Street, then turn left up Lowside past the pub and continuing straight on along Donkey Lane to the A623 (Kingsgate). Here we go right a short distance and take the signposted footpath up the hill. There is a choice of routes partway up the hill - I used the path shown on the GPX which starts up steps and goes steeply through the wood, traversing across below the wall, but the lane is also a right of way and takes a slightly easier zigzag line. We cross a stile into an open field and follow the wall on the left downhill. Note that at the farm building halfway down the signed footpath goes diagonally left, and the old right of way line straight on is no longer useable. In the next field we cross diagonally again (little sign of a path on the ground) and descend steeply along the edge of the wood (take care, there is a rope handrail on the steepest section).

We emerge at New Bridge, and leave the road immediately to follow the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail path left to a bridge over a side stream then right along the Derwent. Note that on the approach to the old bridge at Froggatt the path follows the curve of the river round, not the straight line shown on the GPX. At the road you can either use a stone stile or continue a little further to a gate. We take the road right over the old bridge, turning left onto Hollogate and straight on along Spooner Lane, which soon becomes a path paved with old stones. The old lane continues through a small wood, mostly on large stones but with shorter grassy/muddy sections. Beyond the wood we follow the path diagonally half left to Main Road in Grindleford. There is a pub just off route here. Our route goes right a short distance then takes the grassy field path left through the fields by the Derwent. The section through Coppice Wood is a little muddy in places. Beyond the wood we cross a couple of fields to reach a surfaced road, which we follow along the river to the B6001. We cross and follow the pavement to the right turn just beyond the railway bridge, which leads to the Hathersage meeting point in the station car park, or to the station for those who like me are returning by train.

This is a lovely walk, but it is quite demanding in places, and the steps, stiles and unsurfaced field paths mean that it is unsuitable for any form of wheeled transport.

Great walk taking in riverbank, woodland, and fields. Brilliant views of Froggatt and Burbage Edges. Easy navigating as path clear in the main. Some map referencing needed across the fields. Original path heading down to Calver is now blocked off with undergrowth but a new path round it is established (see photos in partner's review). Biking prohibited along some sections. Number of stone stiles on upper sections, kissing gates throughout and some pretty muddy areas (January walk). We took the train from Sheffield to Hathersage and the bus back from Bakewell the next day. Easy traveling.

This is a varied walk and includes a stretch along the River Derwent passing through Froggat and Calver. There are a couple of route selection issues,
It helps to have an OS map as the path deviates slightly from GPX route. Take the left hand path when descending to Calver. The route up from Calver is fairly steep but very rewarding. Once at the highest point, the route down to Bakewell via Rowland is straightforward.

We walked from Hathersage to Bakewell and found the first stage steady and gentle alongside the river. Negociating the route through Calver was a little complicated but then, after a cliimb it was an enjoyable stroll down into Bakewell.

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