Walk 1852 - printer friendly version

Eldon Hill from Peak Forest Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.0 miles / 8.1 km

Ascent - 650 feet / 197 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SK114795
Lat 53.3123160 + Long -1.8303597
Postcode SK17 8EN (approx. location only)

This scenic circular walk from Peak Forest explores the area to the north of this Peak District village. The route uses paths and tracks through limestone scenery to reach Eldon Hill which was once quarried for stone. Eldon Hole is included in the walk which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak. Over sixty metres deep this large chasm has seen many tragic deaths so please be careful.

The walk starts from Church Street which lies north of the A623 where on street parking is generally available (grid ref. SK114795). After parking walk back to the A623 and turn left. Continue past the Devonshire Arms and Snelslow Farm. Just after the farm, cross the road and enter a field through a small wooden gate. Walk half-right across the field to the far corner. Cross two stiles. Immediately after the second, cross another on the right and go left along the wall to reach Old Dam Lane (grid ref. SK124794).

Turn right and follow the lane as it starts to climb and bends right. You are now following the Limestone Way. Continue ahead to reach Cop Farm. Keep ahead here onto the Limestone Way which is heading north to join a walled track. Reaching the end of the walled track you pass a trig point on your right. Continue with the wall on your left to reach a wall junction. Go through gate, pass a pond on your right, and continue with the wall on your left. Ignore the path on the left and continue along the wall. After 700 metres you reach a cross track (grid ref. SK135813).

Turn left through a gate and continue along the track. The track soon bends right. Continue ahead following the signed bridleway keeping the wall on your left. Continue ahead through squeeze stile and keep straight on at the path junction (grid ref. SK153814). At the next path junction go left at fingerpost. Immediately cross the stile on the right to enter access land. Go half-left over pathless grass (taking care to avoid old mine workings) to reach the summit of Eldon Hill which is marked with a cairn. Take time to enjoy the view.

Leave the summit in a southerly direction (turn left when approaching the summit) and continue down towards the wall below. You soon reach the fenced enclosure containing Eldon Hole. You can get closer by using the stile on the east side. However, take great care. To continue walk downhill with the wall on your right. Keep to the left of a small copse using a gate and keeping wall on your right continue ahead. Pass between the farm buildings and join Eldon Lane. Continue down the lane to a T-junction. Turn left onto Church Lane and follow the lane around to the right at the next junction. Keep ahead back to the start.

Messaging & Social Media

Message Walking Britain and follow the latest news.

Mountain Weather

Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.