Edahat three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Note that I haven't walked this end to end, but I have walked all of it at one time or another over the past few years, and most of it as part of EdaHat one. I am pretty sure that this version is better and easier to follow, so I am happy to verify it.

This is a lovely route, taking in the essence of the Peak District. Getting up to to the Great Ridge was a bit of a slog, but it was well worth it for the lovely feeling of being on top of the world! Hope is a good stopping off point for lunch, with a choice of several eateries (and drinkeries). The second half, on to Hathersage, is easier, but still involves some short uphills. There were a lot of sheep about the hills, plus their output, but not so many cattle, thank goodness.
A number of the paths were quite rocky, and there were several stiles and narrow gates.
Edale, Hope and Hathersage all have railway stations on the Manchester to Sheffield line, meaning you really don’t need to bring a car into this lovely landscape.

From Edale Station we were soon onto a quiet road then a track heading uphill, then the bridleway heading up to Hollins Cross. This was quite steep and rocky in places but the views across Edale were beautiful. We used the main path along the ridge rather than the slightly lower Barker Bank contour path suggested by EdaHat One, so we had views on both sides – and needed a bit more wind protection!
Rather than head to the top of Lose Hill, with its isolated tree, the route headed slightly downhill through Brockett Booth Plantation which was nice. Back in the open we continued downhill through pastureland, with one slightly tricky bit of navigation around Losehill Farm. Then it was straight down into Hope (via a narrow bridge suspended over the quarry/cement works railway), where there were lots of lunchbreak facilities.
Field paths took us past a huge quarry, and apparently, through a Roman fort. Above the River Hope, the narrow, sunken Townfield Lane had a separated footpath above it, so we were safe from any cars which braved that road. It was pleasant walking the tracks higher above the river, as there were nice autumn views across the valley, although the price was a bit more climbing here and there. When we reached the river itself, the path needed care, as there were some quite steep drops down to the water.
The route ended at Hathersage station, without going through Hathersage itself, but there was a pub as well as a café just off route.
This was a really beautiful and varied walk, with good facilities in the middle, generally easy to follow, and direct. It was a bit hard going in places but nothing you wouldn’t expect from the Peak District, and the views were ample reward.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.