Win Hill circuit cycle trail
Enjoy a great day out on this cycle trail through the beautiful Hope and Derwent Valleys in the Peak District.
Start:
Hope village car park, grid ref: SK171835
1
From Hope Village car park, turn left, heading up the Edale road for just over 3 miles (4.8km), as far as the bridle track just past Clough Farm. Turn right up the track, behind the farm and continue along the track up the hillside.
Hope Cross and Jaggers' Clough
Savour dramatic landscapes while you ride and if you venture over to Hope Cross, you will be rewarded with wonderful views right up Edale Valley and into Ashop Valley. Jaggers' Clough is one of the ancient trackways that were the main transport routes criss-crossing this part of the Peak District. From medieval times until the railways arrived, the packhorse 'trains' were the only way of moving goods, such as lead, wool, coal and salt, across this rough ground. The packhorses were mainly Galloway or German Jaeger and the pony men became known as 'Jaggers', after their horses.
2
Descend the steep track to cross Jaggers Clough' (GR154873), a deep-cut stream coming off the eastern flank of Kinder Scout. Continue along this track, a steep, loose climb, passing below Crookstone Barn, until you come to the old Roman Road which comes from Hope over to the Ashop Valley (GR160876). Hope Cross (an ancient guide post dating back to 1737) is about 200 yards (200m) down the Roman Road towards Hope village.
Woodland and wildlife
The woods of Derwent Valley are being actively managed for multi-purpose use. You will see areas that have been clear-felled and replanted with native trees, as well as areas of woodland expansion. As the woods are opening up, new cycle trails are being laid out. The woods attract a wide variety of bird life. Win Hill area is the main place to see crossbills (pictured) and you may well be lucky enough to see goshawks and buzzards circling above. The river Derwent also has a thriving population of wildlife including dippers, heron and water voles.
3
Take a left and cycle down the Roman Road towards the River Ashop. Go carefully as it is fairly uneven. Follow the track almost to the Ashop River, then just at the point where the track improves, turn right down a tarmac track to a bridge across the river and up to the A57 road (GR152892).
Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower Reservoir is located in the Upper Derwent Valley, surrounded by breathtaking Dark Peak countryside. The villages of Derwent and Ashopton were completely submerged when the reservoir was built between 1935 and 1943. It is now a popular place to fish for trout.
4
Cycle down the road towards Ladybower until just past Hagg Farm, then take another bridleway track to the right, down near the edge of the woods to meet another track which crosses by a bridge at the head of the reservoir.
Hope Valley Line
Completed in 1894, the Hope Valley Line is a railway line linking Sheffield with Manchester. It is a great way to savour the stunning scenery as you pass through the gritstone moors and edges of the Dark Peak.
5
Follow this flat and even track around the southern edge of Ladybower Reservoir until you come to Ladybower Dam (GR197854).
6
Continue a short distance past the dam and then turn off right along the track of the former narrow-gauge railway (Thornhill Trail). Cross the minor road below Thornhill (GR198838) and continue towards the River Noe and the A6187 road to a T-junction (GR202830).
7
Turn left and carry along the track which crosses the River Derwent and emerges on the A6013. Turn right onto this main road and just after Bamford Station, bear right to go down to the A6187 road. Turn right again and then left after about 200 yards (200m) down a small lane signposted to Shatton (GR203826).
8
Go up the Shatton road and take the first right turn over a ford and then along a track which emerges at Brough. From here it is a short ride back to Hope.
End:
Hope village car park, grid ref: SK171835
