Cross the Hope Valley railway line that links Manchester and Sheffield, jump across the Hathersage stepping stones, and enjoy hot chocolate from a Hathersage café at the end.
This almost-5km circular Peak District family walk from Hathersage is easy and relatively flat. It mostly follows the footpaths along the River Derwent, through shady trees backed by open fields. The stepping stones themselves are a little trickier than the Dovedale ones, so take care if you’re unsteady on your feet; kids under 5 will need a helping hand as their legs aren’t quite long enough to reach across to each stone.
How long will it take? Without kids, this is a 1 hour walk. However, we allow a couple of hours with young kids.
Total ascent: 66 metres
Public Toilets: There are public toilets in Hathersage, as well as cafés, restaurants and pubs. However, there are no other facilities along the Derwent River.
Leader: William T (07360052919)
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Start/End: Rokeby Cottage, Jaggers Lane, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1AZ
Transport: There is roadside parking along Jaggers Lane. Spaces are limited, so aim to arrive early in the day. Otherwise there is paid parking opposite the entrance to Hathersage swimming pool.
Hathersage is on the Hope Valley local stopping service between Manchester and Sheffield. Trains run every 1 or 2 hours all week, with the most frequent service on Saturdays. Full timetable at northernrailway.co.uk. Approx. journey times are eastwards to Grindleford 3 mins, Dore & Totley 12 mins, Sheffield 20 mins