Hathersage and Stanage Edge via North Lees

Hello all.

I haven't been for a decent walk for a while now, and after a quick look at the weather forecast for Wednesday I decided a trip to Hathersage was in order. I looked up a few ideas for a walk and settled on what would be my first trip up Stanage Edge.

Hood's Brook

After packing enough clothes for an Arctic expedition, Sybil and I boarded the trains to our destination. The weather wasn't as cold as expected, however; and I soon began to feel toasty in my two jumpers, gloves, hat and fluffy socks. Layers of clothing were gradually shed as the miles started to add up.

First glimpse of Stanage

North Lees Hall

We were soon walking past North Lees Hall, an impressive property now part of a sheep farm, offering refreshments for walkers in the summer months. Today though, the Hall was quiet and we headed over the field nearby to enter a short woodland path, filled with the trilling calls of blue, great and long-tailed tits flying from branch to branch searching for food. I took a five minute breather (it was all uphill, after all!) to stand back and enjoy their antics.

A wooded walk

Waiting patiently

Soon the climbing became more intense as we joined the flagstone path to the top of Stanage. Every now and then I would stop to catch my breath and look back to see a rather strange procession of mattresses snaking their way up the path behind me. It was only when they caught up to us, which wasn't hard given how unfit I am, that I saw they were strapped to the back of people who were obviously going to climb the rock face. Rather them than me.

Crazy mutt

We finally reached the top and sat down to admire the views and have a bite to eat. The shed clothes quickly began making their way back on as the air grew chilly now we were more exposed to the wind; even Sybil sat close to my left side, using me as a windbreak.

Posing puppy

Gateway to adventure

No wonder Stanage Edge is such a popular location. To one side you have sweeping views across the Hope Valley, towards Lose Hill and Kinder Scout in the distance and on the other side there is the vast expanse of moorland between the national park and Sheffield.

Surveying her Kingdom

Sybil was thoroughly enjoying her freedom now the lambing and nesting season were over. She could pick out which of the fellow hikers we passed had a soft spot for dogs and would head straight over for the obligatory fuss. She stayed well away from the edge of the cliff, and once ventured over the remains of the drystone wall onto the Hallam Moors, flushing from the long grass two red grouse who had fortunately survived the shooting season.

Farewell Stanage Edge

S Michael's Church

All too soon we were leaving the Edge and heading down onto the road, back towards the village. Trudging through some muddy fields, Sybil enjoyed her last taste of freedom before we reached the church where Little John was allegedly buried.

Here lies buried Little John

 
We hightailed it down Hathersage's main street and managed to make the 13.46 train home. And to think concerned about finishing the walk before dark.