Start in Hope, the route will take you on well-marked footpaths which cross Odin Sitch, and then past Castleton. You will be able to see Great Ridge – all the way from Mam Tor to Lose Hill – in front of you.
Go up and over Treak Cliff. You will pass Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Cavern before you ascend Mam Tor. From Mam Tor, follow the Great Ridge route along and over Barker Bank until you’re at the top of Back Tor. Then ascend, slightly, to the summit of Lose Hill.
Descend Lose Hill. Join Lose Hill Lane and cross the River Noe. You’ll follow single track roads to join the Roman Road route, which you’ll slowly ascend until you reach Hope Cross. To your left, you’ll be able to look back at the Great Ridge.
Shortly following Hope Cross, turn and descend through the woods to Woodland Valley. At the bottom, cross the River Ashop where it joins the Lady Bower Reservoir. You’ll then ascend the other side of the valley, across Snake Road. Carry on up and over Hagg Side – down to the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre.
Follow the reservoir path, round past Derwent Dam and around the reservoir, to join Snake Road by the Ladybower Inn. Cross the road and go along to Lady Bower Viaduct, then cross the reservoir and follow the road along to Heatherdene Car Park.
Take the footpath to the right of the car park’s entrance and follow it along (you’ll join the Derwent Valley Heritage Way for a short period). Ascend through Priddock Wood, and up to Bamford Edge.
Traverse the length of Bamford Edge and follow the footpath down to New Road. Cross New Road and descend Leeside Road, through Bamford Clough, into the village of Bamford. Take the main road through the village – and then turn back on yourself, toward Bamford Mill. Cross the River Derwent at the weir, via the stepping stones.
Across some open fields, you’ll soon rejoin the Derwent Valley Heritage Way – all the way past the Ladybower Dam. Walk through the forest, where you’ll loop round to join a footpath which ascends straight to the top of Win Hill.
Descend Win Hill, towards Hope, by taking the footpaths to circle round and back into the Hope Showground
