Hiking Around

Leave only footprints, take only pictures and memories!

Bleaklow Head from Padfield.

Distance: 11.0 miles / 17½ kilometers

Time: 8 hours 40 minutes

Grade: Moderate

Map: OS Explorer OL01 - The Peak District, dark peak area





The car park is located off Platt Street - From Station Road in Hadfield, drive passed the railway station on the right, the road becomes Platt Street and bends left then right, the car park is on the left before the bridge.

The walk starts by ascending the ramp from the car park and follows the Longdendale Trail for about 2.5 miles (4 km) which follows the actual old Woodhead railway line follow the trail passing under two bridges. This part of the walk is very flat and uneventful, though it is worth having your camera ready, as there is plenty of bird life. Eventually the path passes through a gate on the right. The path then doubles back on itself to cross the B6105. (As an alternative, park on the B6105 near to Torside Boarding Kennel, SK13 1HX, to avoid the Longdendale Trail).

Steadily ascend up an uneven farm track towards Reaps Farm, then at the finger post turn right up a fairly steep grass bank at the top of which is a sign post "Peak and Northern Footpath Society, number 384". This where the route joins the Penine Trail. There are some good views of Torside Reservoir from here. The the path continues with a moderately steep climb up the right hand bank of Torside Clough (which is on the left). The views from the top offer some excellent views of Torside Reservoir and down into Torside Clough. The trail is well marked all the way to the Bleaklow Head.

From Bleaklow Head there are a couple of options to either retrace the route back, recommended if parking on the B6105. Alternatively take the more scenic route. At Wildboar Grain, the path heads west passing Torside Castle, this part of the trail follows a clearly defined path over peat moorland which can be quite messy during the wetter seasons where it is not uncommon to get 'Bleaklowed' (knee deep in peat bog!). The track does improve after a short distance.