Leader: Peter C (07875656963)

Difficulty: Hard

Start time: 09:35

Start point: ALPORT BRIDGE

End point (if not circular): SK171893 Fairholmes

Distance (in miles): 15MILES

Full description: 

THIS IS A LINEAR WALK ADVISE CATCHING THE BUS AS DESCRIBED BELOW. AS WALK DOES NOT END WHERE STARTS!!!

Start Alport Bridge

End Fairholmes

Deep in the wild heart of the Dark Peak lies Bleaklow ("dark hill"), one of England's few untamed wildernesses, surrounded by some of the quietest and most beautiful valleys in the Peak District. Getting there is not easy, but there are great rewards for those who do.

Starting at ALPORT BRIDGE we will head towards Alport Castles. We leave the main path and take the scramble towards the tower (with apologies to those keen to climb it, there won't be time!), then continue into Alport Dale, described by my guide book as "the Peak's finest and wildest glen". We emerge onto the top at Alport Head, near Bleaklow Stones (to avoid confusion, not at Near Bleaklow Stones), then follow the summit ridge towards the dramatic Grinah Stones on the hillside, and work our way round the steep valley Grinah Grain before descending steeply into the Westend Valley. From here it's an easy walk along woodland trails and along the roadside back to Fairholmes.

WARNING: This walk is strenuous and much of it is likely to be boggy with unclear paths. Proper walking boots are essential, and you might still get wet feet. There is no option to leave the group en-route beyond Alport Castles, except for experienced navigators. Due to the length of the walk, we will need to keep a good pace to make sure we finish the walk in time. If there is heavy rain before this walk, it may be postponed or significantly shortened.

Public transport or car sharing options: 

Catch the number 257 bus leaving Sheffield Interchange at 08:55, via Broomhill & Crosspool. Expect to return on the last bus of the day, returning at 18:45.
If driving, get there in good time as the Derwent valley car parks fill up quickly in good weather, and we won't have time to wait for people to find alternative parking.