Shatton moor and Hope Valley
Distance: 4 1/2 miles (7.2km)
Time: 2 1/4 hours
Terrain: Easy; one 775ft (236m) climb
Description:
Quiet lanes climb the windswept heights to moors which offer unrivalled views across the southern boundary of the Dark Peak. This easy walk covers a part of the Peak which is often neglected by walkers. An added attraction is the opportunity to watch gliders from nearby Hucklow Edge seeking updrafts along the heights. Gliders are the only manmade intrusion in this area of solitude.
Directions:
a Parking is sparse in Shatton village so take care not to impede other road users. Follow the sunken Townfield Lane to the open fields.
b Turn right through a gate at the lane end and follow a field track to the right of the boundary hedge.
c Turn left through a gate. Follow the line of electricity poles as far as Elmore Farm. Yellow waymarks to the right of the farmyard indicate the route. Beyond the farm, keep to the right of the field boundary.
d Cross a stone stile and turn left, uphill along a rough bridleway. Follow this walled track along the broad grassy ridge to a col above Over Dale.
e Keep left along the sandy track and head towards the open moor.
f Walk on, continuing ahead at the junction of bridleways.
g Follow the direction of the bridleway signpost to Shatton. Turn right at Wolfâs Pit and join a walled lane. Follow this round the shoulder of Shatton Edge, past the conspicuous TV booster mast.
h Bear left downhill on the metalled road back to Shatton.
Places of Interest:
1 The view of the Edale Valley and Mam Tor Ridge is only marred by the intrusive chimney of the cement works.
2 Grey Ditch and Rebellion Knoll. The prominent earthwork on the right of the track reaches down to Bradwell. This is an ancient boundary but its links with Rebellion Knoll, the small rise beyond Grey Ditch, are unclear. It could refer to a rebellion of slaves in the Roman lead mines. There was an administrative fort at Navio, near Brough.
3 Viewpoint. Bretton Clough ('home of the Britons') is to the south.
4 Viewpoint. Overdale Nature Reserve fills the valley head and is the haunt of moorland birds.
walking
m.barker@shef.ac.uk on scottexservices.com