Walk the Ethels: Margery Hill & High Stones

In celebration of Ethel Haythornthwaite and 100 years of CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire, we are leading guided walks up the many Ethels on land cared for by the National Trust.

The Ethels are 95 hills in the Peak District named in tribute to Ethel Haythornthwaite, who founded CPRE Peak District and South Yorkshire in 1924 (then called the Sheffield Association for the Protection of Rural Scenery.) Her activism saved Longshaw Estate from development and helped establish the Peak District as the UK’s first National Park in 1951.

Join us on a challenging circular walk of one of the wildest landscapes in the Peak District and summiting two Ethels: Margery Hill and High Stones. Beginning at Kings Tree, the walk follows the River Derwent to Slippery Stones before a long and steep ascent up Cranberry Clough and onto Howden Edge. We'll then follow the dramatic edge South to Margery Hill trig point and High Stones before dropping down to Nether Hey and, eventually, Howden Reservoir. Finally, the route will circle back to the car park following the shoreline of the reservoir.

This challenging walk is approximately 9 miles and includes a steep ascent and follows an uneven footpath. Due to the difficulty only adult tickets are available. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams. Dogs on a short lead are welcome but there may be some stiles.

Our walk leaders are incredibly knowledgeable, so please ask as many questions about the area as you like!