Win Hill, Aston, Hope Walking with Lacey
Win Hill, Aston, Hope, Walking with Lacey
03/07/2024
This walk started under a cloudy drizzly sort of day next to the school just off Edale Road, Hope. The top of Win Hill, our destination, was covered in cloud. The forecast was for the weather improving so in Hope we had hope.
An early view of our destination in the far distance on the right sticking out above the closer hills.
From nearly every direction the routes up to Win Hill are hard work, steep and unforgiving. Our first taste of this was the tarmac road up to Twitchill Farm which was so very steep.
The view from above the farm showing the line of hills from Lose Hill to Mam Tor. This was within 30 minutes of setting off from the car so the plus side of being very steep is that you get good views quickly. We were fully aware that the clouds were if anything getting lower not higher.
After more very steep walking through the heather we could see the summit across the moor in the gloom.
Reaching the summit breaks in the cloud gave some glimpses of a view and then nothing but we still sat and had a drink.
The views from the top showing Ladybower, the bridge at Ladybower and Crook Hill, honestly they are there. The atmospheric conditions were ethereal and beautiful and worth the climb.
Dropping down the other side of Win Hill towards the forests around the south shore of the reservoir we got better views from below the clouds. This is a view of Snake Pass in the far distance.
The path through the woods was equally atmospheric at first with a darkness that reminded us of Mirk Wood. It did really feel other wordly. Lacey's photo captures the mood.
Who is the stranger in the woods. It is I. When Lacey takes her photos she sometimes stops for a moment and I walk on to give her some space but listening.
We passed the Ladybower Bridge and then a fleet of Canada Geese
Guess which photo is Lacey's.
Eventually through the trees we could see Ladybower and the path met a track which we followed to the right.
Again the woods gathered together to increase the gloominess as we ascended out of the forest.
Which trolls live in these woods. This is Lacey's photo. In my blogs all the photos are mine except the ones I credit to Lacey.
We passed the path down to Yorkshire Bridge which I have climbed and I can assure you it is a tough route to the top.
Leaving the woods we glimsed Bamford Edge across the valley. Despite the clouds it had not actually rained so far.
From the ridge we were on we could look down the valley towards Bamford and Hathersage. Below this ridge down the valley side is the Nature Trail we walked on last week giving a nice continuity to the walk. Lacey took a photo of a thrush in the bushes.
Crossing over another ridge we headed towards the Hope Valley and the small village of Aston. We had seen and passed hardly a soul all morning but we did pass a few in Aston and greetings were happily exchanged. Just before Aston we met a middle aged couple from Suffolk who were struggling with the hill. We talked for a while and it turns out they were practicing for the Coast to Coast.
From the ridge we could see the cement works across the valley with the quarry behind. (Photo by Lacey) They must have been blasting because we heard a loud bang whilst we passed through Aston.
Aston's roadside trees fascinatingly clung to the wall and bank. These were tall mature trees that gave the road a dark dankness the photo does not show.
After Aston the path went through some sheep filled fields to the railway station and a backward glance shows Win Hill in the distance. We met a pair of ladies with 2 light brown, curly haired, medium sized dogs. It was the first dog walkers we had seen all day so we had to stop and talk. The dogs were called Derek and Scout. Derek was aloof but Scout wanted to belong so Lacey stroked him and he was ecstatic. The ladies were just starting the climb to Win Hill so we wished them luck and they would need it as it was very steep.
We both took photos from the bridge Laceys on the right. I like the contrast, mine being a narrative image and Laceys more artistic. Its really fun to see her photos after the walk.
Then we were over the bridge at Hope Station and heading off towards Brough for a look at the Roman Fort. The field in which the fort mound was situated had a few horses and young cows in but they were calm and we felt OK to cross their field.
I loved to see the Roman Fort normally there is nothing to see but here was a definite raised oblong in the field. Its just the thought of romans walking on the same ground that somehow blows my mind. We headed towards Hope but the fields were full of big cows with calves blocking our route and we were a little intimidated so turned around and headed back to the fort. On our way we met a lady with a dog called Missie who did not like people. The explanation was that she was a rescue dog and the behaviour was ingrained so we gave her her space. After a brief discussion with the lady regarding the cows she agreed with us and we all left the field together back towards Brough. She said that the dog would attract the cows when they had calves and she was not willing to risk it. Better safe than sorry is always a good motto when dealing with farm animals in the fields.
Following the road which was well paved we soon ended up in Hope again. We dropped into a cafe on our way back to the car and had an Earl Grey and sausage roll in my case and orange juice and bakewell slice in Laceys case. Back to the car and onward. It may never have really cleared up but it never actually rained.
I had a great day out with Lacey and value this time greatly. Looking forward to the next mountain next Wednesday.
This is a good walk and doable by any able person but it is hard and very steep in places, be prepared to sweat. The contrast between the open moors and long views and the dark forest is delicious.
|
Distance |
9.1 |
miles |
|
Duration |
4.22 |
hours |
|
Avg. Speed |
2.14 |
mph |
|
Total Ascent |
1690 |
ft |
|
Steps |
21518 |
|
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