Win Hill / Crook Hill
14 September 2025
Our twelve mile circular ramble today begins at Heatherdene car park alongside Lady Bower Reservoir. It embraces the majestic beauty of Win Hill and the twin peaks of Crook Hill and surrounding area. Toilets are available at Heatherdene, then we walk along a footpath to reach the main road which we will cautiously cross and proceed to the dam wall.
Upon reaching the other side we turn right to follow the path alongside the reservoir for a short while before passing through a wooden gate on our left. We make our way through the woodland, ascending gradually to reach the path above Parkin Clough. Here we turn right up the fairly steep path to the top of Win Hill. Remember to look back from time to time to admire the view! When we reach the top, if the weather is fair the view from here is truly breathtaking and we can enjoy this whilst we get our breath back and have a ten-minute break. Moving on we go down onto the ridge to follow the path and the Roman road, admiring the vista towards Lose Hill and Mam Tor and looking down into the valleys, as well as Derwent Edge and the hills beyond.
Upon reaching Hope Cross we will have our 30-minute lunch break then continue along the path and descend into the valley below. We cross the Alport River and the Snake Road (with caution) then ascend past Rowlee Farm, pausing to enjoy the beautiful scenery as we go. Continuing to Bridgend Pasture we will soon be treated to the sight of Crook Hill ahead of us as well as Win Hill across the valley to our right. After passing through a wooden gate we can explore the twin summits of Crook Hill and clamber over the boulders to the top. If preferred these can be by-passed. Heading downhill we pass through a metal gate into a field before the Crook Hill farm buildings, then go through a wooden gate at the side of a barn and follow the footpath down to the road.
After crossing the viaduct we turn left onto a path to avoid the main road. It does go uphill again for a short way but the pleasant view across the reservoir towards Win Hill makes it worthwhile! We then go down to the Ladybower Inn where we could call in for a drink if desired, before walking the last 10 minutes back to Heatherdene. Sometimes there is an ice cream van alongside the road. Our bus departs for home at 6.30pm. There will be a shorter option available.
As always we welcome new people to our club. If it’s your first walk with us, it’s free! After that the coach fare is only £14.
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
