Words & Photos Jamie Smith

September 01 2010

Win Hill may not be the highest hill in the world, clocking in at a diminutive 462m/1500ft. But it is a true peak, easily picked out from surrounding fells, and the views from the summit are wide-ranging and breathtaking.

It also gives a feeling of airiness and exposure, with a tiny ridge linking the two ends.

The deep blue waters of Ladybower Reservoir sit beneath the steep north and eastern slopes, shadowed by the Derwent moors, whose tors can be easily be picked out high along the ridge. In the far distance Bleaklow fills the horizon, while further to the west Kinder Scout and Brown Knoll occupy the view. The Great Ridge runs from Lose Hill to Mam Tor in the west, and a short walk along, you can look directly onto Bamford Edge.

Its lack of size makes Win Hill easily accessible, and it can be summited without a great deal of effort. Normally a short walk out of Hope will give a half-day visit, or a summer evening excursion, but I decided it only fair to justify those views and give some effort to the occasion.

Leaving Hope on a bright and breezy morning I set about finding my way along the network of paths through the valley, following the River Noe as far as Bagshaw Bridge. I was glad to leave behind the muddy and sodden paths for slightly firmer terrain. Eventually I reached Jaggers Clough, the signal to head east for Hope Cross, a medieval guidepost dating from 1737. Apparently a chapel once stood nearby offering refuge to passing travellers.

This part of the Peak is popular with mountain bikers, and when one left a gate open I felt the need to point out that the gate couldn’t close itself – and nor could the local sheep! He obliged, and I continued onwards and upwards.

I followed the course of the Roman Road along the wide sweeping ridge, filled with local heather and tussock grass. The views started to unfold all around, while the summit of Win Hill itself stood out on the horizon.

The breeze had now become quite blustery, making progress harder, but I had to stop and admire the skill and endeavour of the glider pilot soaring above. He appeared to be taking the strain of the buffetting wind as his plane headed off with the heavy gusts. With a skillfull manoeuvre he brought it back round. It didn’t look easy.

Returning to concentrate on my own efforts I headed off to the summit of Win Hill, enjoying the vast views lit up by the late afternoon sun. Then I descended to Hope as the sun dipped behind the fells, leaving the street lights to see me back to the starting point.

Distance: 12 miles/19km Ascent: 414m/1360ft Time: 4-6 hours Start/finish: Hope (GR: SK 172837) Map: Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer sheet OL1 (Peak District – Dark Peak area), Harveys 1:25,000 Superwalker (Dark Peak) Information: Castleton TIC, 01629 816572 Travel: Trains and buses to Hope

Technical Spec
From school, take path on left-hand side, following path to Lose Hill. Cross railway bridge and turn R to Edale Road. Turn L at roadside and follow to reach a minor road on L. After short distance turn R over stile onto path following River Noe through to Normans Farm, turning R to the road. Turn L on road and pass under railway bridge to reach stile on right-hand side. Follow riverside path to Bagshaw Bridge. Turn R through Upper Fulwood Farm to Jaggers Clough. Pass through gate into wood. Cross stile, turn R onto track and follow to reach crossroads. Turn R, passing Hope Cross, along ridge line to Win Hill summit. Backtrack to signpost for Hope and Lose Hill, turning L, head SW to road and follow back into Hope.