Mill Stone Edge

Walk 1: Gorgeous Padley Gorge

A truly stunning hike that showcases the magical, ancient woodland of Padley Gorge, as well as a stroll alongside the River Derwent, a climb up Millstone Edge, and exploration of the beautiful Longshaw Estate

Commencing from Longshaw Lodge, you head along a riverside path through Padley Gorge onto the wonderful village of Hathersage. Next, you hike up to the dominant Millstone Edge, retracing your steps back to Longshaw Lodge.

If you find this guide useful, please consider contributing a coffee to help with running costs of the site.

Essentials

  • Distance: 8 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Minimum Duration: 4 hrs
  • Refreshments: PubCafe
  • Route: Download .gpx file
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 26634 80062

Parking

Paid for parking available at Longshaw Lodge, S11 7TZ.

Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Guidance

Print page

Safety First

Please do not rely on this walking guide to solely navigate the hike. Always take a paper map and compass with you and make sure you know how to use them. Hiking is generally safe, but there are always potential risks. Use common sense, plan your route beforehand and make a reasonable judgment at all times.

Directions


  1. Head out of the main National Trust car park, down towards Longshaw Lodge.
  2. Take the path which skirts left in front of Longshaw Lodge and continue for about half a mile until meeting the B6521 road – you will pass a small lake on the right about halfway along this path.
  3. Cross the road, go through the gate in the wall, and head down towards the footbridge passing over Burbage Brook.
  4. Cross the footbridge and turn left following the brook until meeting a fence.
  5. Continue through the gate. The path will begin to decline through the wooded Padley Gorge for about half a mile.
  6. After reaching the end of Padley Gorge, continue through the gate and down the track passing a couple of houses to your left and right. Upon meeting another track, turn right and continue for about half a mile – you will pass many houses, including Padley Chapel on the right about halfway along this section of the track.
  7. Shortly after crossing a cattle grid, leave the track and head down the path on the left which heads towards the railway bridge. Cross over the bridge, turn right and go through the gate in the stone wall to enter Coppice Wood.
  8. Continue as the path declines until meeting the River Derwent. Turn right at the bottom and continue along the path for a little over half a mile.
  9. The path will eventually meet a track leading to Harper Lees house. Go through the gate and turn left to continue along the track until meeting the B6001 road.
  10. Cross the road and head through the gate and cross the proceeding fields.
  11. After crossing the fields, turn slightly left along Dore Lane until arriving at Hathersage – perfect time for refreshments.
  12. From Main Road head east uphill as it climbs out of Hathersage and becomes Sheffield Road, bending right out of the village.
  13. Upon reaching a set of houses on the left, look out for a fingerpost situated after about the third house. Cross the road and take this path for about half a mile – it ascends steeply through a wooded area.
  14. After passing through the wood, cross the stile and head right following the wall. The path quickly meets a track – continue down the track and over the stile at the end to meet the road.
  15. Cross the road and turn right heading for a stile in the stone wall at Whim Plantation.
  16. Ascend up the path until meeting the top of Millstone Edge.
  17. Head right along Millstone Edge and follow the path down towards Surprise View Car Park.
  18. Continue through the car park, cross the road, and turn left along Sheffield Road.
  19. After approximately 100 meters turn right through the gate and follow the unusual V-shaped valley/trench.
  20. You will once again meet the footbridge crossing Burbage Brook. Cross the bridge and retrace your steps back past Longshaw Lodge to the National Trust car park.
  • Longshaw Lake
  • Autumn fields
  • House with sunset behind
  • Tree in the sun
  • Trees at Padley Gorge
  • River Derwent
  • Millstone Edge
  • Millstone Edge
  • Millstone Edge
  • Millstone Edge
  • Sunset up Millstone Edge
  • Higger Tor in the sun
  • Evening sunset

Questions or comment about this route? Leave them in the comments section below.

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

2 Comments

  1. Sharon Finch30th January 2023

    We took a group of Ramblers on this walk, and they loved it. A very pretty walk, especially when the bluebells are out.

    Reply
    1. Walk In Derbyshire30th January 2023

      Glad you enjoyed it, Sharon. It’s one of my favourite walks too.

      Reply

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