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Bleaklow Head from Longdendale

Peak District Walk

Nat Park - Peak District - Bleaklow Longendale

County/Area - Derbyshire

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km    Ascent - 2005 feet / 608 metres

Time - 6 hours 0 minutes    Grade - moderate

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL1Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL1Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 110Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 110Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Bleaklow Head from Longdendale
Click image to see photo description.

This moorland and edge walk takes you to the high land of Bleaklow in the northern sector of the Peak District National Park. It is best undertaken in fine weather preferably after a dry spell. With poor visibility always a potential hazard, map reading skills and the ability to use a compass are advantageous.

This Peak District walk starts from the car park (grid ref. SK068983) on the south side of the B6105 Glossop to Crowden road adjacent to the Longdendale Trail. There is a National Park Information Centre, toilets and mobile catering at busy periods. From the car park follow the signs and exit onto the Trail. Turn left (north-east) and follow the old railway track bed for approximately one kilometre.

Just before reaching Woodhead Reservoir exit the trail onto the B6105 and head back towards where you started! This may sound odd but it saves some walking on a busy and often unpleasant road. Turn left under railway using the first bridge and follow the track for a short way. Just before crossing the first stream turn right and follow it uphill. There have been reports of wire fences and clay pigeon shooting hereabouts. However note that you are on public access land until nearer the lodge (which is on private land). If you wish to avoid potential confrontation then gain access to Wildboarclough from nearer the start of the walk and join the route as described below the Rollick Stones.

For much of the way there is a path, although in a few places it is hard to see on the ground. The Rollick Stones, which are in view ahead on the edge above, are your target and even if you have lost the path progress is fairly straightforward. Reaching the Rollick Stones follow the clear path around the rim of the edge heading southwards. At this point Wildboar Clough is below on your right. The onward route climbs steadily eventually entering the narrowing clough to follow the eastern side of the stream. The path fades occasionally and to be safe it is a good idea to set a bearing on Bleaklow Head and trust your compass rather than the paths created by lost walkers and sheep!

Although not shown on OS maps there is a path all the way and you will reach the clear route of the Pennine Way (grid ref. 093966). Follow this south to reach Bleaklow Head. A fairly unremarkable spot with a few stones making up a cairn it is better to continue the short distance to the nearby Wain Stones, which provide a better resting place.

Retrace your steps to Bleaklow Head and follow the Pennine Way north. Rather than descend by the outward route we return to Longdendale using the Pennine Way. After passing the point where we joined the Pennine Way the route turns west to follow Wildboar Grain down to John Track Well. Ahead lies the most interesting section of the descent with the path staying on the edge as Torside Clough deepens on your right hand side. Stay with the distinct edge ignoring paths that diverge left over the moor to follow Clough Edge. This is a superb section of path with good views across the valley with the its string of reservoirs to Lad's Leap, Laddow Rocks, Black Hill and the northern moors of the Peak District National Park.

All good things must come to an end and the path descends steeply and passes Reaps Farm to gain the Longdendale Trail. Turn right along this wide path to reach the starting point in a few minutes.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1179 Lad's Leap & Laddow Rocks from Crowdenmoderate6.5 miles
Walk 2621 Black Hill & Laddow Rocksmoderate9.0 miles
Walk 3022 Black Hillmoderate9.0 miles
Walk 2375 The Longendale Edgesmod/hard11.8 miles
Walk 1168 Old Glossop & Bleaklowmoderate9.5 miles
Walk 1759 Torside Clough & Longendale from Old Glossopmoderate7.4 miles
Walk 3607 Reservoirs Walk from Tintwistleeasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 3174 Saltersbrook and Lady Cross from Woodheadeasy/mod6.0 miles
Walk 1756 Bleaklow & The Longendale Trail from Woodheadmod/hard10.0 miles
Walk 1703 Longdendale from Hadfield Stationeasy/mod9.0 miles

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