Hathersage Circular Walk

The Hathersage Circular Walk in Peak District NP will take you up to some iconic locations within the peak district; however, the trail connecting these sites can be a bit tricky to navigate in certain areas. Make sure to keep an eye on your GPS to ensure that you stay on the correct path when out on this walk. Additionally, this route is fairly long and features a decent amount of uphill climbing along a variety of terrain. Be sure to wear proper walking footwear and bring any necessary gear that you might need for the journey.

While this walk might get a bit tiring towards the end of the journey, you can rest assured that the points of interest and spectacular views along the trail will be enough to reward you for your effort. While out on the trail, you will make your way to the Iron Age fort atop Carl Wark and summit Higger Tor before pressing on to the rocky escarpment of Stanage Edge. After a long descent across the moor and open farmland that characterizes the landscape in this area, you will arrive back at the historic village of Hathersage where you can celebrate after a hard day’s worth of walking.

Setting out from the car park next to the Hathersage railway station, head north along the road until it meets up with Station Road, following this to the south to eventually pick up a trail on the right side of the road. Follow this south for 0.3mi and turn left at the junction to make your way back over the road to follow the lane that passes through several gates as it runs parallel to the River Derwent for 0.4mi.

Turn left along the trail here and continue under the rail track to eventually meet up with a lane. Follow this east and continue to climb uphill to pass by Greenwood Farm. Turn right along the road and pick up the first trail on the left in 480ft to continue uphill through the forest to a point near the Lawrencefield rock climbing area with scenic views over the surrounding farms and woodland terrain.

Cross over the stile and continue east along the trail for 0.9mi as it follows closely to the road, passing by Owler Tor on your right to eventually meet up with a path that crosses the road on your left. Pass through the gate and make your way over the road, crossing over another gate to keep right at the fork. Keep an eye on your GPS and continue along the trail for 0.5mi, as it climbs further uphill and through some boggy terrain to arrive at Carl Wark. After taking in the amazing views across the moor and exploring the site of the Iron Age hill fort, continue north along the trail to make the somewhat steep ascent of Higger Tor.

After reaching the summit, take in the beautiful views of the sprawling farmland, rugged moors, and rocky escarpments that characterize the landscape, before continuing north along the path towards the Burbage Bridge. Once there, head through the kissing gate and cross the car park to make your way west along the road for 430ft, before picking up the trail on your right.

Continue along the trail for the next 1.8mi, as you walk along the Stanage Edge and take in the views of the surrounding countryside from the escarpment. After passing by Robin Hood’s Cave and meeting up with the Long Causeway, follow it to the left for 0.5mi and pick up the trail on the left heading south. Once you have reached the road, turn right, followed by a left after 0.1mi to pick up the trail and pass through a gate.

Keep south along the trail for 0.7mi to pass by Green’s House and eventually enter into a charming stretch of woodland along Hood Brook. Make you over the bridge and turn right along the trail, following along the edge of the brook for 0.2mi to meet up with the road. Cross over to the other side and follow the track south as it passes by Brookfield Manor and cuts through the farmland for 0.7mi on the final stretch of the journey.

After a quick stop at St. Michael’s church to visit the grave site of Robin Hood’s pal Little John, follow the trail to the southwest to enter back into the heart of the historic village of Hathersage. Having completed the Hathersage Circular Walk, feel free to explore the village and pop into the Little John Inn for a quick pint, before making your way back to the trailhead next to the railway station.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.