Walk Details
The walk begins with a train journey, it is a one-way walk and is equally as enjoyable either way you approach the walk. We set off on the train from our home village of Hathersage and got off at Chinley with the intent of walking between stations via the highest route possible.
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From the station, we walked through Chinley to the road bridge over the railway line and then took a left at the other side of the bridge to head up the lane that runs by the side of Cracken Edge. Shortly we found the path to our right and traversed the hillside. Cracken Edge was quarried for paving and roofing stones in the past and here you will find all manner of decaying artifacts of the site.
Keep going to Peep ‘o Day, then cross the road to find the Pennine Bridleway, pass Mount Famine, and then when you reach South Head you have a decision, making a detour to reach the cairn on top of South Head is well worth it.
You can view Manchester and the Cheshire Plains, and turning around you can see deeply into the Peak District National Park. It is one of the best 360 views I know.
Anyway, South Head, at this point leave the Pennine Bridleway and head across the moors towards Brown Knoll, this is more moorland walking now and you feel things are getting a little wilder. Follow the path, go past the path that takes you over Brown Knoll and head towards Jacobs Ladder. Due to weather conditions we took the option to get off Kinder via Jacobs Ladder then to Upper Booth Farm and then across the fields under the flank of Broadlee Bank Tor to find ourselves in Edale. Here was opportunity to visit the famous start/finish to the Pennine Way pub, The Old Nags Head where we drank real ale and enjoyed a carvery. A short walk then to the railway station and back home.
Phil’s Verdict: In better conditions, walk via the Noe Stool, Pym Chair, The Woolpacks and exist the Kinder Edge via Grindsbrook Clough (it is an awesome walk).
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Chinley, Manchester
