Glossop, Mill Hill, Pennine Way and Doctor’s Gate

Introduction

The weather forecast seemed perfect for a strong climb over the moors today – not too cold, not too hot, and not too wet.

The drive from Cheadle Hulme took 35 minutes.

I reversed my initial plan and chose to complete the walk anti-clockwise, so as to have the strong southerly breeze at my back across the high moorland section.

It did indeed stay dry for this challenging 9.3 mile walk with 1530 feet, 465 metres of ascent. The walk took 3 hours 45 minutes plus 15 minutes for lunch.

The walk doesn’t afford much opportunity for dogs to run off the lead.

Parking is simple at the end of Hurst Road opposite the Royal Oak, SK13 8QY, on the A57, Snake Pass, which is currently closed beyond this point following subsidence during the rains of February.

The walk is on OS Explorer Map OL1.

Glossop To Mill Hill

The walk starts with a gentle stroll past the Glossop and District Golf Club, and along Derbyshire Level to Moorfield.

The resident birds were very active. Here’s a friendly nuthatch.

I took the track into Bray Clough and wandered down to the pretty stream.

From here, the hard slog up the hill starts.

I soon had to stop for a breather, and the views back to Glossop were reward for my efforts.

Beyond the shooting cabin, my route turned up the hill, and was marked by white topped posts a few yards to my right.

I stopped again at a stone grouse butt, and continued to enjoy the view!

Eventually, the terrain levelled off, and I reached the stone slab track that would lead to the top of Mill Hill. At Mill Hill, there is a clear view across Kinder Scout and away in the distance I could just make out the unmistakeable outline of Shutlingsloe, near Macclesfield.

Pennine Way

I joined the National Trail here. As expected the strong breeze was now behind me. There was a great view back to The Edge on the east side of Kinder Scout.

I made fast progress across the plateau, enjoying the aerial antics of the skylarks, and sudden surprise of a flushed red grouse. There are many ponds alongside the track, and as I trundled on, I noticed a significant improvement in the weather.

It was strange to stand in the middle of the A57, with no prospect of a passing car, let alone a bus!

Shortly after the main road I reached the crosspaths at “Old Woman”, where I turned left into the valley called “Doctor’s Gate”.

Doctor’s Gate

After a gently sloping downhill start, the path reached the head of the valley. It is a stunning spot.

After the gate, I was out of the wind and so sat for a 15 minute lunch stop.

The path down is challenging. The first section is precipitous. That stream is a long way below the narrow path!

Further down, several sections were only passable with care due to the marshy, boggy conditions having taken over the path. My slowness was rewarded with two great bird spots.

First, a close-up red grouse.

Then, a vibrant stonechat in summer plumage.

The next wildlife was heard first, and then I found him. A frog.

I was way down the valley now, but the view was still beautiful.

The smoke I could see came closer, and I could see people “managing” the fire in the heather. I’ve no idea why the land was being burnt.

At the bottom of the valley the outline of Shire Hill can be seen ahead.

The route turned left in front of Shire Hill, where there is a small reservoir behind Mossy Lea Farm.

The track soon arrived back at the A57, at the top end of the golf course, and a short walk down the road brought me back to the car.

An exhilarating and highly enjoyable hike.

And Finally….

Two great gigs this week – down with the students at The Academy for The Cribs, and then the refined surroundings of The Bridgewater Hall for Texas.

However, an unexpected highlight was the support act for The Cribs. This is the energetic Fight For It by The Blinders.