Walk this way

Low Bradfield and Dale Dike Walk

Directions:

1: Take the path around the back of the car park in the direction of the village hall. Do not cross the bridge. Continue up the left bank of the stream until you reach the narrow wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and ascend the stone steps. Continue up the path until you emerge on to Smallfield Lane.

2: Cross Smallfield Road and go up the steps and through the metal gate on to the footpath opposite. Continue up the hill in the same direction. Follow the path up by the trees, aiming for the church in High Bradfield.

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3: The path goes across in front of the churchyard on top of the retaining wall, to come out by the main entrance to the church yard. The footpath goes up Jane Lane beside the watchtower and then left over a stone stile. Take the path through the church yard and into the woods.

4: As the path enters the woods it splits three ways. The right fork goes up to Bailey Hill. The left turn goes down to Agden Reservoir. Take the middle path (slightly to the right) which descends slowly into the woods.

5: Follow the path as it turns left in the woods. The path drops down to Rocher End Brook. Go through the gate and go straight on taking the wide track. Do not turn right up the hill.

6: Follow the track round until you reach the junction. Go up through the stone gateway ahead on the right. Go up the slope and head slightly to your right until you join the track.

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7: Follow the track until you reach the stone stile. Cross the stile and then cross the field to the next stile, which is on its own with no fence!

8: Follow the path along past the ruined farm buildings at Rocher Head. Continue along the lane, ignoring the path off to the right. Continue up to the main road (Smallfield Lane).

9: Cross the road taking the footpath opposite. Cross the field, aiming for the gateway at the far end. Continue up through the next field. At the stone gateway entrance to the field take the path to the right, keeping the wall on your left. This path emerges on to Mortimer Road.

10: Cross the road and go through the gate to take the track known as the Dukes Road on to the moor. The path starts out as a well-made track, but slowly degenerates into a rough and sometimes boggy path. Follow the path for 2.5 miles.

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11: As Low Tor and Back Tor get closer the path splits, with the right fork dropping down to Derwent Reservoir. The split occurs near a couple of cairns. Keep to the left path. The next section has been paved with slabs and should be visible from the junction. The path is quite well defined.

12: Follow the paved path past Low Tor and up to Back Tor. Enjoy the views from Back Tor across the Dark Peak, including Win Hill, Lose Hill, Mam Tor, Kinder Scout and Bleaklow.

13: From Back Tor continue south towards Dove Stones for a short distance until you reach the cross roads of paths, marked by the upright marker stone. Turn left and go down the path known as Foulstone Road. Follow this path all the way down to the Mortimer Road.

14: Turn left and follow Mortimer Road for nearly half a mile. After the left-hand turn take the farm track down towards Strines reservoir.(SK 22710 90883).

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15: Follow the lane round to the left and past the farm buildings. Turn right towards the Strines dam wall. Take the footpath that goes down across the field on the left. Go down through the woods and across the wooden bridge. Take the right fork indicated by the yellow arrow on the marker post.

16: Follow the path along by the side of Dale Dike reservoir. At the end of the reservoir follow the path down steps and across a wide bridge. Follow the track as it winds back up to the road. Just before the road look out for the stones that mark the position of the original dam that failed causing the Sheffield Flood.

17: Turn right and then go down Dale Road back to Low Bradfield. Sands Lane and the car park will be on your left as you drop into the village.

Details:

TIME: 6 hours

DISTANCE: 12½ miles

TERRAIN: Mixed

ABILITY: Able

PARKING: Yes

WHERE TO MEET: Car park/bus stop, The Sands, Low Bradfield.

HOW TO GET THERE: 61/62 bus stops at Fair House Lane/Smithy Bridge Road, Low Bradfield. Grid Ref: SK 2626 9204.

TERRAIN: Gentle ascents, some rough ground, can be boggy in places. Exposed on the moor. Most paths are well defined.