Stanage Edge
Although the obvious way to get to Stanage would have been along Burbage Edge, as we wanted to do a circular route, we decided to take a track to the east of these edges where we expected it to be less crowded. Being about 5 miles from Sheffield, this area is a real "honey pot" for Sheffield Folk and, on what was likely to be a very pleasant day, we expected many of them to be heading for the local countryside.
Leaving the Fox House Inn we turned left along the
Hathersage Road towards Sheffield. However,
as it was not yet 10 o’clock the road was
comparatively quiet, so it was not unpleasant
walking the ¼ mile or so to where the road bends
right, where we took a wide track left, shown as
Houndkirk Road on some maps, which took us slightly
east of north. We followed this initially
ascending track for almost two miles as it passed
between Houndkirk Moor to our right (east) and
Burbage Moor to our left (west). This was
very pleasant walking. The birds were singing
and other than a couple of walkers we could see in
the distance ahead of us, and a few mountain
bikers, we had the generally sandy track to
ourselves.
Views along the Houndkirk Road.
By the time we turned left at a crossing of tracks
it was getting very warm and as we passed between
Burbage Moor and the woodland on our right (Lady
Canning Plantation) we took off fleeces and packed
them away. In fact it was so pleasant Anne
even decided to zip of her trouser legs.
Views near Lady Canning Plantation
At the end of this track we reached the Ringinglow
Road and crossed it onto a muddy track. We were now
in peat country as we went northwards towards Brown
Edge Farm. However, the footpath that we
should have taken was non existent, or well hidden,
and with no sign to direct us we decided to go
north east via Clough Hollow to Fulwood Lane. Here
we stopped to look at a topograph that had been
erected by local Sheffield Rotary Clubs indicating
areas of Sheffield and beyond, which could be seen
generally to the north and to the east. It
seemed strange to think that the city of Sheffield
was such a short distance away.
Near Brown Edge Farm and on Fulwood Lane
We then started walking up Fulwood Lane, passing
the drive and footpath from Brown Edge Farm, which,
from this side was very obvious, and an elderly
gent who was zooming down the road in his electric
wheelchair. As we plodded on I thought that
it must have been a strain on the wheelchair’s
motor to have initially got up this lane.
Where the road took a 90 degree right hand turn we
went straight on taking a “Permitted Path”
westwards that would take us over the moorland to
the south of the three Redmires Reservoirs.
Although the route was initially uphill it was easy
going and, looking back, we could see much more of
Sheffield, although it was covered by a haze.
It always seems amazing when we walk in these parts
how desolate some areas can be and yet we are so
close to the steel city.
At the top of the hill we climbed over a stile and
things really started to get desolate.
Although we were able to see the Redmires
Reservoirs on our right (north) for the next mile
and a half our route was over peat bogs and
although there was a path it was indistinct and so
we were pleased to follow the marker poles that had
been erected within sight of each other to help
guide walkers over this terrain.
Views over the peaty moorland to the south of
Redmires Reservoirs
The first part of this boggy walk was flat and
level and the water did not drain easily. It was
certainly more difficult than the later stages of
this part of the route where we went down hill, and
the land was less waterlogged.
Today there was no chance of getting lost on this
boggy upland and we were able to see, to the left
of the reservoirs, the plantation, which was the
place our route was leading us to. However,
before reaching this point we were required to
negotiate Fairthorn Clough, which I had expected to
be boggy, but it was easily negotiated and soon
after we were by the plantation with Redmires
Reservoirs behind us as we ascended south west
along the ancient Roman road towards Stanage
Pole. I have looked at a number of web sites
to see if I can find the “reason” for Stanage Pole
to be called Stanage Pole but have so far drawn a
blank. I presume that it was, like the poles
above Redmires, an aid to navigation.
From the “Pole” we continued along the Roman road,
also known as the Long Causeway, with our first
view of the Stanage Edge in front of us and High
Neb, the highest point of the “Edge” being very
obvious to the north west. Soon after we
reached the “Edge”. This part of the world
was very busy. Climbers were out in force
climbing up and down the gritstone edge, and many
walkers were enjoying the sunshine walking along
the edge top.
High Neb and other views along Stanage Edge.
We were now quite hungry, it was 1.00 p.m., so
having found a suitable sheltered spot - it was
quiet windy on the “Edge” – we had a “bite” to eat
before heading in south easterly along the top to
the trig point (457 metres) at the southern end of
Stanage. It was really busy along this path.
Visitors were out in force and looking down to the
west we could see the car parking areas “choc a
bloc” with vehicles.
Leaving the “Edge” we passed the Cowper Stone, a
large lump of gritstone, on our way to our next
objective, Upper Burbage Bridge on the Ringinglow
Road. Here were more cars and an Ice Cream
Van. Anne and I both fancied an ice cream and
really expected the van to be doing a good trade.
But it wasn’t. Maybe it was because although
there were details/pictures of all the ice cream
and lollies available the salesperson had not
bothered to show the prices. And, as I always
like to know the “damage” before I commit myself to
a purchase, we, like it seemed many others, decided
not to partake. I suppose I always feel mean if I
ask the price and then don’t go ahead with the
purchase even if the price being charged is
excessive.
The Cowper Stone at the South East End of Stanage
Edge.
We crossed over the bridge and took the path
immediately below Burbage Rocks, another gritstone
edge swarming with rock climbers. Although
the path was muddy in parts it was generally very
good and we took our time stopping to look at the
climbing on our left and enjoying the views of
Higger Tor and the hill fort of Carl Wark on our right.
At the end of the path we reached the road between
Hathersage and Sheffield and having crossed it and
turned left it was an easy walk through the
Longshaw Estate woodland to
our starting point.
I estimate the route we took was about 14 miles in
length and, to find our way, I used the Ordnance
Survey Explorer Map, 1:25000 Scale, for the Peak
District – Dark Peak Area, No. OL1.