Hathersage ramble
2 February 2025
This ramble will be a walk through history, as we explore some of the spectacular landscapes and historical sites immediately to the north of Hathersage. This will be a circular walk, approximately 8.5 miles long, but with several optional stops along the way to view places of interest. There will be an option for some to miss the climb to Stanage Edge, if required. The route may vary slightly, depending on time, interest and weather conditions.
Our walk begins at Hathersage. We follow the Hood Brook northwards for a short while before climbing to Birley Farm. We then follow the route of an ancient ridgeway northwards, before branching off past Gatehouse and Upper Hurst Farm to Bole Hill. Anywhere called ‘Bole Hill’ is likely to be the site of a medieval furnace or kiln. The site of this particular furnace still exists, just off our route. We turn east through the site of Bole Hill Wood Quarry, before winding our way along the southern edge of Dennis Knoll. This area is the site of a Prehistoric settlement and field system, though little of these can easily be seen on the ground these days.
We briefly turn north, with Stanage Edge towering above us a short way to the east. We soon join a country lane westwards to join Long Causeway (or Causey). This is the route of an ancient trackway leading up to the top of Stanage Edge and on to Sheffield. On the moors to our left, in the distance, are large cairn fields, a stone circle and other ancient stones. We follow the trackway a short distance before a minor diversion to view the Buck Stone. This is possibly the site of an ancient tavern.
At this stage, anyone preferring not to climb to Stanage Edge can take a short path back to the road and proceed eastwards from there to the public toilets near North Lees. The main group will return to Long Causeway and walk up a carefully-graded climb to the top of Stanage Edge, over 200 metres above the valley below. Awe-inspiring Stanage Edge is a gritstone escarpment with some of the most amazing views in the whole of the Peak District. Definitely worth doing if you can! From here, we regrettably have to descend to meet anyone who took the shortcut, at the public toilets.
We then turn west again, down towards Hood Brook. Our path passes through the very visible remains of a Romano-British village. At this point, we can take a small diversion to the sad ruins of a very rare, small Roman Catholic chapel, dedicated to Holy Trinity (possibly 16th century). Beyond the village remains, we cross the stream and explore the picturesque site of Green’s Mill. This was built in the 17th Century for processing metal ore. It then became a paper mill, but is long abandoned. Much of the water management system, including the mill pond, still remain – but little is left of the stone buildings.
We follow the stream south to Bronte Cottage. North Lees Hall is nearby – dating from the 16th Century, but slightly off our route today. Beyond here, we follow the valley back down towards the end of our walk, at Hathersage. We negotiate Camp Green on the outskirts of the village. This was a large earthen, circular enclosure around 200ft in diameter. It is thought to be a Norman ring-motte. Only around half of it still remains. The nearby churchyard contains the grave of Little John – or so it claims on the headstone.
We depart Hathersage at 4:30pm for the journey home. Our coach will be waiting adjacent to the railway station.
The coach fare is £12. there is no need to book, just turn up at on elf the stops listed below. New walkers are always most welcome.
Coach Departure from Sutton and Mansfield.
The coach picks up at the following points.
(With the agreement of the leader other pick-up points
on the bus route may be available).
| “Staff of Life” pub, Hack Lane | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.15am |
| Priestic Road, opp McDonald’s | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.20am |
| Eastfield Side, (Blue Bell) | Sutton-in-Ashfield | 9.22am |
| Hermitage Lane stop, Sutton Road | Mansfield | 9.25am |
| ASDA bus stop. Stockwell Gate. | Mansfield | 9.30am |
