Hatdro two

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I walked this route from Hathersage to Dronfield found it to be a first class route, The route out of Hathersage is up through woodland along a bridleway which soon brings you out along a byway and onto footpaths up to Hathersage Moor. Care needs to be taken as you head east up over the moor, passing Carl Wark Fort before crossing the Sheffield Country Way and then down hill to the road crossing of the A625. Having crossed over turn right and stay on the grass verge on this side before turning left down a well signed bridleway through Blacka Plantation and then continuing along a vehicle track through to Totley Bents. There is a pub here, The Cricket Inn, which may well be a good place to stop and refresh. The path then follows the Sheffield Country Way to Holmsfield Park Wood and on to Mickley. You then pass through housing along Longroft Road in Dronfield Woodhouse before passing under the A61 flyover and then on mostly enclosed pathways and a park into Dronfield. A very enjoyable walk made in late November.

I walked from Hathersage to Dronfield in early August. The weather had been mostly dry. The journey took 4 hours and 5 minutes with a couple of short breaks.

The route travels through woods, over moorlands and through urban areas. It includes dirt tracks, some with rocks and roots sticking out, and a bit of walking on pavements. There are steps, stiles, squeeze gates, kissing gates and a narrow plank bridge. In a couple of places the gradient, especially up to Burbage Moor, is very steep but not for too long. There is a short section of setts (cobbles) which are likely slippery in the wet. Houndkirk Moor got a bit boggy, despite the good weather. Strong shoes or boots recommended, and take suitable clothing and check the mountain forecast.

I did have to consult the map a couple of times and draw on my knowledge from previous trips but you're not likely to stray very far if you're paying attention.
In the woods leaving Hathersage, stay on the downslope side when encountering any forks. Once out of the wood, stay left, following the wall and into the large farmhouse garden with the electric gate.
After crossing the stream after Carl Wark, about 1 hour in, use the left fork going East and head for the reentrant on the skyline. The larger path goes the wrong way.
Don't climb the highest hill on Houndkirk Moor, but stay South of it. There is a pole to guide you as you wade through the ferns on the approach.
Gosforth fields are just a farm on my map (should probably get a new one). The route off them is to avoid the separate section off the East end but to skirt the pitches and exit out the bottom to Ullswater Close.
I wasn't sure about the last section after crossing under the A61. The path onwards is a little way up the Southern ramp of the subway. On that, keep heading East along the stream and don't worry about the exact route.

The previous reviewer, I think, had muddled km with miles (10 miles are 16km). The route is indeed 16km judging by both my journey time and mapping software. I also walked an extra km so a couple of extra kms that they mention is plausible. I would guess the stated distances in the web site are rounded down. I didn't get forced off trail by overgrowth, thankfully, but it is high on Houndkirk Moor in spots. You could go around by going some way off the path.

The path around field off Back Lane at the start is a bit overgrown with nettles. Avoid it if youre wearing shorts and value your legs.
There were some cows roaming on the moor but they were too busy eating.

After leaving Hathersage, there aren't any places to stop for refreshments until you get to the shops at Barnes Lane in Gosforth. There are also places to get food at the shops outside Dronfield station. The main street in Hathersage has a public toilet. Dronfield station has only places to sit down. You pass a couple of pubs in Totley. The Cricket Inn displays a good review from the Guardian. Might be expensive though.

Hathersage can be reached from Sheffield using the 271/272 Castleton bus or some variants of the 257, although I had to get off at Bamford turnaround and walk a couple of km to Hathersage on that day. Hathersage also has hourly trains to Sheffield.
Dronfield is a short train ride from Sheffield or you can use the 44 bus. The 43 also stops not too far from there.

There are a few things worth a look at if you have the time. In Hathersage there is the grave of Little John, Robin Hood's friend, in the Church yard, and various places north of the village are of interest to Jane Eyre fans, such as Brookefield Manor, North Lees Hall and Moorseats.
Up on top, the path passes between the Iron Age forts of Cark Wark and Higger Tor.

A brilliant trail!

Although not 10 miles hike as stated, you do walk though some amazing landscapes.
We did go off trail slightly due to overgrown weed and at some stages had to mark our own way.

We started from Hathersage, which if you have a little history bug you'll discover all things Robin Hood in this characteristic town. You'll meet some lovely people along the way, walking through towns, villages and forest. We finished on 16 miles and took the train back from totley. Which was very pleasant and we had fun mapping out the route we had walked.

Overall we enjoyed it and it was received by the team, if the weather was better we could have finished the trail as the rest seemed to be town flat roads but would have finished on approx would be 18 miles. I would like to try to complete this walk with a mixed ability group to see the difference but would differently recommend it as a really treat throughout.

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