Walk Summary
A long walk traversing high, exposed fields. Visits the charming Bradwell (twice). Delivers superb views from the top of Shatton Moor. Delightful river side walking. Passes through the unearthly Breedon Cement Works. Culminates in a stop at Castleton, a climb of Cave Dale and classic views of Peveril Castle.
Date: 07/11/2021
Length: 16.03 miles
Height Gain: 661 m
Terrain: Steep paths, boggy paths, grass path, stony track, lightly used roads
Navagation: Good. Signage good. The potentially tricky points are noted on the map
Start: Roadside parking near Windy Knoll at the top of Winnats Pass
Route: Windy Knoll, Bradwell, Shatton Moor, River Noe, Bradwell, Castleton, Cave Dale
Map: OL1 Dark Peak Area
Weather: Hazy sun and strong, cold wind
Walkers: Nun, Calse, Mo
Gallery
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Bradwell Goat
Captain's Log
Windy Knoll
Windy Knoll was living up to its name. The car thermometer registered 7 degrees, but this belied the effects of wind chill as we struggled to stay upright as we put on warm clothing. There is no height lost as we traversed the fields towards Bradwell. There is nothing to stop the wind and we battled forward through the invisible force. At last we dropped down into Bradwell which was sheltered enough that we could lose an outer layer.
Bradwell is a quaint village with narrows streets and attractive houses. The path led us past a goat who took an interest in us as we passed.
No sooner had we reached the bottom of the village then we were back up the other side climbing a muddy and slippery path to Bradwell Edge. There was a rather undignified increase in pace as we thought a group up in front of us would commandeer the sheltered seating area along Brough Lane. In the end they got there first, but walked straight past.
Abney And Offerton Moors
The route followed the southern edge of Abney Moor with good views over the valley to Eyam Moor. We then followed the path over the moor to Offerton Moor. The views from the edge of the moor down into the valley towards Bamford and Hathersage were the best of the day. The sun made Stanage Edge sparkle. On reaching the stepping stones over the River Derwent, we watched a family, with a small youngster start to make their way across them. The river was flowing at quite a pace; I don't think I would have attempted them. There was very nice riverside walking towards Shatton. So nice we settled down for lunch besides the river bank.
Beyond Shatton there was a stretch of field hopping to Bradwell. Thankfully nearly of the route went through gates rather than stiles which eased the strain on our knees. We passed a coup full of Turkeys near to Bradwell. I pitied them...with only a few weeks until Christmas.
Shatton Moor View To Bamford Edge
Doubting Lane Kestrel
Breedon Hope Cement Works
The Breedon Hope cement works dominate the Hope Valley. Although I'd often view the cement works from afar, I'd never been right up to them. We followed a path out of Bradwell that went right through the middle of the works. When seen from a distance the chimney focuses the attention, but when you are in amongst the works you realise that the chimney is just one part of a very large industrial area. Massive buildings surround you and elevated conveyors run from side of the plant to the other. I was a little worried about route finding through the works, but it is very well signed...obviously they don't want you to stray.
The plant has been operating since 2029. A report from 2012 estimated that the adjacent quarry would be exhausted by 2034. I wondered what would happen to the site when that day happens.
What You Looking For?
At Castleton Calse and Mo had called me over to have a look at a 5 foot high fox in somebody's garden. As I wandered across the road to study it, an old lady shuffled towards me and asked, 'What was I looking for?'. I was rather taken aback to be propositioned in a respectable place like Castleton. I replied that I wasn't interested and I waved over to Calse and Mo that we should head up Cave Dale.
The entrance to Cave Dale was up a secretive alley from the street. It opened up into a rather deep valley with steep sides. Eventually Peveril Castle loomed over the ridge on our right. It is an impressive 11th Century castle that looks largely intact, looking from below. It's an English Heritage site so you might want to take out a loan if you wish to visit. The path continued up the drystone valley. Occasionally we'd turn around to get impressive views of the castle with Lose Hill in the background. The valley petered out and we made our way back to the area of exposed fields that we had been battered across this morning. The wind was still as strong, It was still as cold. Light was fading as we reached the car at Windy Knoll. I measured at the walk at over 16 miles, but with all the varied scenery and distractions it seemed a lot less.
Castleton Peveril Castle