Walk 2635 - The edges of Combs Moss near Chapel-en-le-Frith

      
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Walkers motoring between Chapel-en-le-Frith and Buxton must have looked up to this moor on their right, which was always sadly lacking in footpaths with no right-of-ways or public access. Now, thanks to Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000, this area is "Open Access". This is a walk with fantastic views so choose a day with good visibility. The walk is also unique as there is only one path with no alternatives so instructions are minimal. A map is only required to pick out the start and the distant farms and peaks.

 
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The walk starts at the most northern point of the edge on a narrow lane between Combs village and Dove Holes. There is very limited parking on the side of the road by the new stile (Grid ref. SK052786) south of Bank Hall Farm. There is also a short public footpath from Chapel’s Railway Station via Bank Hall Farm to the start.

Head up the very steep hill path to the remains of an Iron Age Fort at Castle Naze. The gritstone cliffs in the vicinity are very popular with climbers. On reaching the top, turn right and follow the narrow path along Combs Edge with views of Combs Reservoir. The path continues to follow the wall. At Pyegreave Brook it cuts back into the moor before bearing west then swinging south east joining a 4x4 track from Allstone Lee Farm leading up to two substantial buildings for Grouse shooting parties.

Still following the wall and edge, the track heads south west to the corner overlooking White Hall Centre and in the distance Fernilee & Errwood Reservoirs in the Goyt Valley. Still keeping the wall on your right, follow the path left to head south. The Old Buxton Road (Roman Road) and the busy newer Buxton A5004 road are clearly visible below.

The path still follows the wall sweeping south towards Moss House Farm, with views now of Buxton and Axe Edge in the distance. Just after Lightwood Reservoir, below, the path cuts left up Flint Clough, no guessing what was found here, then doubles back to follow the wall again. We are now heading north along Black Edge towards the trig point.

Its worth looking back here to see the vast Grouse moor, with the Dove Holes to Buxton road and, in the distance, Kinder Scout. The next name on the map is Hob Tor looking down on Dove Holes village then its Short Edge to the Iron Age Fort and a descent back to your start.

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Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL24
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 119

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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