Introduction
Rowarth is a beautiful hamlet in the High Peak, near New Mills, yet only just beyond Stockport’s boundary. It is well known for its iconic family pub, the Little Mill Inn. Lantern Pike is a National Trust owned peak with panoramic views in all directions.
The weather today was perfect – warm, sunny, and a gently cooling light breeze.
The walk was about 7.5miles with a total ascent of 1200ft, 365m.
Rowarth is about 40 minutes drive from Cheadle Hulme.
The walk took about 3hours 30 minutes to complete, plus about 45 minutes for a tea stop and a lunch break.
For dog walkers, the walk is quite good, as much is on bridleways or open moorland, where the bird breeding season is almost over.
OS Explorer Map OL1.
There is a car park at the hamlet, or alternatively park at The Little Mill and stop for a drink at the end of the walk.
Rowarth and The Little Mill Inn
I left the car park and walked on past the cottages on the left and turned right past the cottages down the lane, the last one being The Old Post House. I turned down the path on the right and emerged at The Little Mill Inn.
Not only is there a railway carriage in the garden, but, to the left of the inn, is a delightful water wheel, which was gliding gently around. I was transfixed for a little while.
Aspenshaw Hall and The Sett Valley
The route across the fields I walked onto the fields and passed a pair of friendly horses and Thornsett Fields Farm.
The views were already splendid as I traversed a woodland to reach a road where I headed left.
Here, I turned left and right just by Aspenshaw Hall, very grand.
Approaching Thornsett, I was soon heading downhill on steep cobbled paths and steps between old cottages on minor roads. Eventually I arrived at a small industrial estate where there’s a bridge over the River Sett. The map shows a path alongside the river, but the signs make it clear that it isn’t a right of way. I walked on and took the Sett Valley Way, a pretty track on a disused railway line.
I took the first path left, and emerged onto a road where, to my right was this:
The home made cakes looked delicious so a Rice Krispie chocolate went in the bag for lunch and I I drank a cup of tea as I went on my way.
The Crescent isa wonderful curved terrace of cottages which must be at grave risk of flooding, but today it looked picture postcard perfect, and the rear of the houses is attractive, and provides parking spaces too.
Lantern Pike
The Pennine Bridleway isn’t signposted here, but leaves the road immediately after The Crescent. I am rising steadily now, and the views of Kinder Scout and the village of Hayfield emerge ever clearer before the path reaches the National Trust sign.
Turning left here I headed straight up to the ridge, and a right turn leads steadily to the summit. The views here are stunning, and the plaque identifies all of the landmarks:
Kings Clough Farm
Returning to the Pennine Bridleway I head north past Blackshaw and Bullshaw Farms. The Bridleway went right along a minor road, but I went straight on avross a field to reach the pretty Kings Clough Farm.
Back To Rowarth
I headed on towards the ridge of Cown Edge, but halfway up the hill, at a gate I turn sharply left, back towards Rowarth and follow the hillside, gently rising with lovely views, until it meets the fall of the Cown Edge ridge.
Coming off the ridge, the route I’ve shown takes a track above the valley floor, but I thought it may be just dry enough to risk going down and following the pretty beck. Past experience told me that it could still be seriously muddy down here. I was right, it was both very pretty and very muddy!
The path eventually emerges next to The Old Post House for a short walk back to the car.
A splendid day, and a splendid walk. Highly recommended!
And Finally….
Some wonderful summery Spanish music with a riff to die for… Mentira by Manu Chao.
Another one we haven’t done, though we took the girls for brownie camps at Rowarth I think!
Well add it to the list.
There are many routes to take from Rowarth, so well worth a visit!