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Walk the Ethels: Back Tor & Lost Lad

A moderate circular guided walk summiting Back Tor and Lost Lad starting from Fairholmes Visitor Centre.

  • Booking essential

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 circular walk summiting Back Tor and Lost Lad from Fairholmes Visitor Centre. The walk begins in the shadow of the famous Derwent Dam before a steep ascent onto Green Sitches and on to Lost Lad, which offers stunning views of Derwent Valley and Derwent Moor. We'll then continue to Back Tor and follow Derwent Edge until we descend to Ladybower Reservoir and follow the shoreline back to the car park.

This moderately challenging walk is approximately 8 miles and includes a steep ascent and follows an uneven footpath. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams. Dogs on leads 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!

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £7.50

Event additional prices

Ticket typeTicket category
1 adult and 2 children£12.50

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

This walk is recommended for children over 12 years.

Meeting point

Please meet at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre at Fairholmes Car Park.

What to bring and wear

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Dogs on a short lead are welcome but, be aware, that there are stiles on this route.

Accessibility

This 8-mile walk is moderately challenging, includes a steep ascent, and follows an uneven footpath. Dogs on leads are welcome but there may be some stiles.

Other

Please arrive by 09:50 to leave promptly at 10:00. The walk may be cancelled in the unlikely event of extreme weather.

Upcoming events

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Event summary

on
23 May to 28 May 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
+ 1 other date or time
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A free guided walk and litter pick celebrating 80 years of the National Trust caring for Mam Tor. The circular route explores the history and the ongoing restoration project at Mam Tor Hillfort, Odin Mine and Winnats Pass.

Event summary

on
27 May to 26 Aug 2025
at
09:30 to 12:30
+ 4 other dates or times
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Event summary

on
6 Jun to 5 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 14:00
+ 4 other dates or times
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Event summary

on
8 Jul 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00