High Bradfield walk
22 June 2025
We return to Bolsterstone for another unusual and spectacular walk around the hills and valleys to the north west of Sheffield. This circular ramble takes us south from Bolsterstone to High Bradfield and back. The distance is approximately 12 miles.
We begin our walk in Bolsterstone, where we follow a footpath high above the very pretty Ewden Valley, heading eastwards to Cote House Farm. From here we descend to the More Hall Reservoir. We follow the shoreline for a while and cross the dam. We then climb gradually through woodland and across open fields to Brightholmlee. A bridleway called Storth Lane takes us to the entrance to Glen Howe Park.
This hidden gem is situated in the narrow, wooded valley of the Tinker Brook – far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It was donated to Sheffield City Council in 1917. Striding through the park, we pass Glen Howe Tower and climb gradually to Foldrings. We then turn west past the trig point at Brittains Plantation, at 395 metres above sea level. From here, we drop rapidly to High Bradfield. On our descent, we are treated to a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
High Bradfield is our main stop of the day. The village offers a pub and some very atmospheric old buildings. These include the very rare Watch House next to the churchyard, guarding against grave robbers – and the former parish workhouse, now converted into cottages. The very interesting parish church of St Nicholas is well worth a visit. You may enjoy yet more panoramic views of the valley below from the churchyard as you eat your lunch. There are also two ‘castle’ sites; one of which we shall pass shortly after our break.
Refreshed and rested, we move on to the north west, high above the picturesque waters of the Agden Reservoir. Beyond Rocher Head, we enter open access land and proceed to Mortimer Road, which marks the eastern edge of Broomhead Moor. Just as we reach the road, we pass the Bar Dyke. This is a 400 metre-long prehistoric linear earthwork, which is predominantly to our right.
A short hop along Mortimer Road and we begin our descent towards the Broomhead Reservoir with an amble along an old bridleway, past Old Booth Farm. Our route continues down through woodland until we reach the reservoir shore. We follow a path east along the southern bank of the reservoir and cross the dam towards Yew Tree Lane. It is then but a short climb back to our starting point at Bolsterstone. If there is time, the Castle Inn will be open for us to enjoy refreshments. On the pub’s Facebook page they ask everyone to “Pop in and say ‘ey up’!!!”
The coach will leave Bolsterstone village at 6:30pm for the journey home.
The leader is Richard Lake and the text is by him.
As usual we would like to welcome new people to our club. There is no need to book, just turn up at one of the bus stops listed below. The coach fare is £14 payable on the return journey.
Coach Departure
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 |
