Walks Day walks # 266

Sheffield to Bamford or Moscar Lodge via Burbage Rocks and Stanage Edge walk

A walk of extreme contrasts: from Sheffield's urban centre through narrow valleys and across wild moorland to the Dark Peak's gritstone edges, and a lush finish into the Hope Valley

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Updated: Wed, 20-Nov-19

Date	#	Post
Sat, 12-Aug-17	24	Stargazer Sheffield to Bamford Day Walk PLUS Optional Extras for a Peak District Weekend SWC 266: Sheffield to Bamford: From Urban Conurbation to the Wild Moorland of the Dark Peak T=SWC.266 Distance: 15.9 Miles or 25.5 km for those more metrically minded with shorter options available Difficulty: 10 out of 10 (or 8 out of 10 for the short options) Train: Take the 8:58 AM East Midlands train to Sheffield from London St. Pancras, arriving at Sheffield at 10:59. Return trains from Bamford are at 18:44 or 19:42, which connect with trains back to London in Sheffield at 19:29 and 20:29, respectively…. Since Sheffield lies outside the Network Southeast Area, it is recommended to purchase Advance Tickets -- if still available. This fascinating walk commences in the city center of one of Britain’s most populous cities and takes you on a journey to the wild moorland of the Dark Peak with its dramatic gritstone outcroppings (or Edges) before making a steep descent to Bamford in the lush Hope Valley. The route cleverly brings you from the heart of the city, through an atmospheric Victorian cemetery and increasingly wild urban parkland before suddenly popping out onto remote moorland which should be ablaze in purple heather at this time of year. In complete contrast to the morning, the walk then continues through this rugged territory along the dramatic Burbage Rocks and Stanage Edge with stunning views far and wide. All of this – only 2 hours from London! It is possible to shorten the walk by 1.8 miles/2.9 km by taking a more direct route across the moorland which by-passes the recommended lunch pub – so you would need to have lunch at the early lunch pub or bring a picnic. Alternatively, you could cut out some of the more urban stretches at the beginning by taking a bus to one of the various points along the morning route suggested in the walk instructions under Bus Shortcuts. You can find more information about the walk (and the shortcut options) and download the walk instructions here. The recommended lunch pub for the main walk is the Fox House Inn (01433 630 374 and http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/yorkshire/thefoxhouselongshaw) with dramatic views and located 8.5 miles/13.7 km into the main walk. Food is served all afternoon. For those doing the shorter walk option, lunch could be had at The Norfolk Arms (0114 230 2197 and http://www.norfolkarms.com) which is located 5.7 miles/9.2 km into the walk. Tea and afternoon/evening refreshies can be had at the Anglers Rest in Bamford *where we can also discuss some of the various route options for the Sunday Kinder Scout walk. Trains run hourly to Edale and towards Sheffield until about 19:36 (Hope/Edale)/19:42 (Hathersage/Sheffield), then at 20:59 and 22:45 (Edale) and 21:42 and 23:11 (Hathersage/Sheffield). Also,* as previously contemplated, for those wishing to extend their stay, we will plan to do a map-led Kinder Scout walk (a Peak District classic) on the Sunday 13 August with a start time of 9:48 AM at Edale Station. You should plan to stay somewhere in the Hope Valley – Edale, Bamford or Hathersage. If unable to find suitable accommodation in any of these places, Sheffield itself would also work. There is a train that leaves Sheffield at 9:14 AM on Sunday stopping at various places in the Hope Valley before arriving in Edale at 9:48. If planning to do the Kinder Scout walk and leave on Sunday, you should book an evening train from Edale (say 18:30ish or later) back on Sunday. Also, note, for the walks on Sunday, you should bring a picnic* as there are no pubs on the higher terrain.* Some will also be staying over to Monday for more walking with a probable route being from Edale (with 9:48 AM start time to meet those taking the train) to Hope along the Great Ridge....again, bring a packed lunch..... If you have any questions, please email goepfertkarenATyahooDOTcom. Enjoy the walk(s) and look forward to seeing you there! Anonymous, 19-Apr-17 This may be of interest Thomas G, 13-Aug-17 Many a different approaches to this walk today: 10 started the full walk from Sheffield station, 6 took a bus to the Forge Dam Cafe to pick up the walk there, 3 took a connecting train to Grindleford, meeting another 2 there, and climbing to the lunch pub from there, 2 had overnighted in Sheffield and started at different times, 1 took a later train, took the bus to Forge Dam and joined the other shortcutters there. So in total 24 in initially overcast then sunny with cool breeze weather. Having done this walk on the exact same weekend last year, what was the biggest surprise was how different the heather wasbon the moors: a riot of purple and pink, for kilometres on end, easily the best heather display I have ever witnessed. Lunch was quick and fine, at the Fox House Inn. The views stunning in the afternoon across the Hope Valley to the Kinder Scout plateau. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the walk, and all paid the Anglers Rest a visit at the end, some having dinner. Then everyone dispersed to their destinations, be they London, Edale, Hathersage or Sheffield. Or so we thought. The next Sheffield was cancelled, a supposed replacement bus never materialised, so 6 of us had a 2 hour wait for the scheduled bus service. And that was one of the highlights of the day, as it was full of testosterone filled and alcohol fueled village youth on way to their Saturday night out in town. Noisiest bus journey ever? Thomas G, 13-Aug-17 Oh... 2 of the 6 were supposed to connect to London, but the last train had gone. Supposedly they were taxied down to the Smoke... Anonymous, 13-Aug-17 Yes confirm that two found taxi waiting at Sheffield and back to London around two am. Adventurous end to an excellent day. Sylvia Anonymous, 14-Aug-17 To Karen,Thomas and all the participants thank you so much for a great week end in the Peak District. Walker, 14-Aug-17 20 stayed on to do a Sunday walk up from Edale station up onto Kinder Scout. Nearly all of us took the tough but exhilarating route up Grindsbrook Clough. Seven then went on to do a twelve mile walk around the perimeter of the vast plateau, descending via the Nab, while ten of us did a much shorter section of the plateau edge and descended to the valley via the Pennine Way. At least two did a reverse version of this, hoping also to climb Mam Tor on the other side of the valley in the afternoon, but time ran out on them. The weather started sunny, got cloudier but then was sunny for a time in the afternoon. Lots took evening trains back to London. Only six of us remained to walk on Monday, a few other having peeled off due to blisters, other social engagements etc. It was cloudy but got sunnier as the morning developed. The afternoon was rather greyer (though with a patch of sun always on the Hope Valley) but threatened rain never materialised. Our route took us along the Grand Ridge along the south of the Vale of Edale across Lord's Seat, Rushup Edge, Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill, then down to the village of Hope. After tea or stronger drinks, two got the 4.40pm train from there, others the 5.40pm. And so back to civilisation.
Sat, 13-Aug-16	18	Thomas G Saturday Third Walk - The Dark Peak: Sheffield to Bamford (via Burbage Rocks & Stanage Edge) SWC Walk 266 Sheffield to Bamford or Moscar Lodge: From the urban centre through narrow wooded valleys to moorlands and the famous gritstone edges of the Dark Peak, then a lush descent into the Hope Valley Length: 25.5 km (15.9 mi) [shorter option: 22.6 km/14.1 mi] Ascent/Descent: 760 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 7 ½ hours [short walk: 595 m, 6 ½ hrs] Toughness: 10 out of 10 (short walk: 8 out of 10) 08.58 East Midland Trains’ Sheffield train from St. Pancras International (Platforms 1-4 in the upper NW corner of the station), arrives Sheffield 10.59 (Advance tickets are selling at £19.50 at the moment). Return 19.42 from Bamford, connecting to the 20.29 from Sheffield (due to railworks on the day: change East Midlands Parkway and arrive St. Pancras 23.15), Advance tickets from Bamford are selling at £17.50 at the moment. Note: the higher cost of rail tickets is somewhat offset by the lower cost of food and drink ‘Oop North’. Or make it a longer stay: stay in the area and do some more walking. You could either join us for a walk-check of New Walk 267 Sheffield Circular (via south westerly valleys) on Sunday [see separate posting]; or you could choose the Moscar Lodge ending of this walk, walk the extension to the Ladybower Inn, and stay there for a bit; or finish in Bamford and take a westbound train to Hope or Edale, in the heart of the Peak District, or east to Hathersage. New Walk! We will take the opportunity to check the walk directions. This walk leads from the centre of one of the most populous British cities through gradually less urban areas into excellent wild walking country (think ancient woodlands, tumbling streams and panoramic views) on to the rugged moorlands and dramatically sculpted gritstone outcrops (or ‘edges’) of the Peak District’s iconic Dark Peak area. All in the one day, on the same walk, just two hours from London. Escape from Sheffield’s City Centre, first along streets and through the atmospheric landscaped Victorian General Cemetery, then the woodlands of the municipal Endcliffe Park and the narrow wooded Porter Valley to moorlands at the edge of the Peak District for lunch at one of two pubs. Continue through the Dark Peak area along the Yorkshire/Derbyshire boundary, characterised by rugged, desolate moorland, and the otherworldly gritstone ‘edges’, once extensively quarried for their rough, coarse stone. From Burbage Rocks to the famous Stanage Edge, the route covers a unique landscape, the greatest possible contrast to the start of the walk, before a scenic descent through lush scenery into the Hope Valley to Bamford Station. An Alternative Ending follows Stanage Edge to its end and descends to a bus stop on the A 57 Manchester Road, with an optional extension to the Ladybower Reservoir and its Inn for a longer stay in the area. Options to cut out much or all of the tarmac-heavy urban walking are described. ! As some punters are already travelling on Friday, or on an earlier Saturday train: let's meet in the main station hall (City Centre Exit), just outside the ticket barriers ! The recommended early lunch stop is The Norfolk Arms in Ringinglow (9.2 km/5.7 mi). The recommended lunch stop is The Fox House in Longshaw (13.7 km/8.5 mi). The tea stop in Bamford, The Anglers Rest, is off-route and only recommended, if you are about to miss the next train (they are hourly). The highly recommended tea stop in Sheffield Station is The Sheffield Tap. There is also a well-stocked supermarket in the station. For summary, map, height profile, photos, walk directions and gpx/kml files click here. Many thanks to Stargazer and Paul A. for invaluable help during the walk research. T=swc.266 Stargazer, 05-Jul-16 and, this is the perfect time to try out this new and interesting walk, as the heather on the moorland should be in full bloom...... Thomas G, 25-Jul-16 Update: to my knowledge, at least 12 people have booked, about half staying in Sheffield, some in Hathersage, the rest returning to The Smoke Anonymous, 28-Jul-16 hi Thomas i have booked for the Friday night as well as Sat. do you know if there are bus links back to sheffield city at the end of Saturday's walk please ? cheers Anonymous, 28-Jul-16 am interested in this expedition. sounds really good. Where are people staying in Hathersage/ JFK Thomas G, 01-Aug-16 reg. bus back: see the pdf under 'Transport'...from Bamford there is the hourly train to Sheffield, but also a bus, from Moscar Lodge there is only a bus (last at 18.46) Anonymous, 03-Aug-16 managed to get ticket to Edale for £16 on 12thAugust jfk PeteG, 04-Aug-16 I see we have to ford a stream, so does that mean boots rather than walking shoes essential? Thomas G, 04-Aug-16 Boots, definitely. Because of the gritstone and some bouldery stretches. It's WILD up on them moors... The fording is a doddle. Anonymous, 06-Aug-16 Have to had to cancel due to illness and hoping to sell on my cheapo discount tickets ? outward journey mid morning FRIDAY and return Sunday evening. The thing is tickets have to be used with a RAILCARD OF A CERTAIN ILK otherwise they won't work unfortunately. any interest pls post here soonish. Thanks Anonymous, 08-Aug-16 Re the post below, how much are the tickets please and which railcard do they need to be used with, Senior or Network Railcard? Anonymous, 08-Aug-16 £31 total but sorry Anon they can't be used with either of those railcards Anonymous, 09-Aug-16 Which Railcard can they be used with? Anonymous, 10-Aug-16 skyisblue251@gmail.com Anonymous, 10-Aug-16 Hope to see some of you in Hathersage Saturday evening. jfk DAC, 12-Aug-16 Intend going. Karen, 15-Aug-16 18 dry sunny overcast at times better than expected The majority of the the group rendezvoused at the station (at least one popped up later in the walk.) We made our way through the suburbs of Sheffield, passing interesting graffiti, Victorian mausoleums, emerging hipster enclaves and eventually through busy parks with interesting histories. A brief pause at the Forge Dam cafe and then on to the countryside that quickly delivered steep inclines and dry stone walls. The highlight of the morning section was long meandering path through Lady Canning's Plantation. The heather was in bloom and it was simply gorgeous. A delightful three kilometers through this gorgeous landscape surrounded by purple and greens, greys and browns, and a lovely blue sky. Lunch for most at the Fox House Inn. Service was prompt and the food was good. Everyone was well set up for an afternoon of skipping across moors and rocks. An initial steep climb, and then fairly flat, but across rocks to Cowper Stone where everyone paused to admire the views. This walker was a first timer to the area and was beyond impressed with the landscape. (Might be a different story on a wet day...) Moving on from Cowper Stone, for a few kilometers, you could enjoy the views and the landscape without worrying about consulting directions. Keep the drop on your left and you should be OK.... Most regrouped at the recommended pub in Bamford. Some returned to London, others to other villages nearby and and 9 returned to Sheffield. Drinks at the Sheffield Tap, dinner at Pizza Express and then back to hotel rooms with a meeting up time of 09:45 at Sheffield Station the next morning. (To be continued...) Anonymous, 15-Aug-16 An interesting introduction to the Peaks from the Sheffield side.a trifle challenging . However managed to recuperate by visiting Chatsworth on sunday and listening to lovely Silver Band music in the Rose Garden and wandering the Estate grounds partly in a chariot drawn by beautiful shire horses. jfk. For any one interested in doing this a bus goes up to Chatsworth from Sheffield every half hour and manages to jump the car parking queues and a lot of the traffic. Thomas G, 15-Aug-16 Memo for future postings of this walk: with elenvenses, (shortish) pub lunch and plenty of stops for admiring the views, we could have all gotten the 18.42 train from Bamford, had we wanted to.