Peak District walk: Snake Woodlands, Ashop Clough, Fairbrook Naze (8 miles)
Details
This 8-mile circular trek offers a hauntingly beautiful journey through the rugged heart of the Peak District, blending serene natural beauty with a somber piece of aviation history. Starting through the tranquil, pine-scented corridors of Snake Woodlands, the trail follows the winding River Ashop as it skirts Black Ashop Moor. The route requires a nimble hop across the stream and careful navigation through the peat hags to visit the scattered wreckage of two 1954 F-86 Sabre jets (detailed at https://aircrashsites.co.uk/air-crash-sites-5/f-86-sabres-xd707-and-xd730-3/).
From there, a steady ascent leads you to the dramatic gritstone edges of Kinder Scout. Along the northern rim, you’ll encounter the weathered "Boxing Gloves" rock formations before heading east to the striking Fairbrook Naze, which overlooks the wild moorland with views stretching towards Bleaklow and the Upper Derwent. The return journey rejoins the River Ashop, heading north back to the car park. It is a true wilderness experience that rewards hikers with some of the most atmospheric and expansive views in the Dark Peak.
📍 Meeting Location & Time
- Meeting Location: Hope Woodland Car Park, Snake Rd, S33 0BJ
- Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qzLE9UnLwLbKcBQF7
- Link to What3words: https://what3words.com/skillet.selection.bubble
- Meeting Time: 9:20 AM
- Start Time: 9:30 AM
🥾 Walk Overview
- Distance: ~8 miles (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft (400 mt)
- Duration: around ~4 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Route Type: Circular
- Walk Leader: Patrick
⛰️ Route Highlights
- Snake Woodlands
- River Ashop
- Ashop Clough
- Snake Path
- Boxing Gloves
- Fairbrook Naze
📲 Route Links
🌦️ Weather & Clothing
The weather on the hills can be highly variable, windy, and cold— even during the summer months.
Please wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.
Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof outer layers
Useful links for weather forecasts:
🎒 What to Bring
- Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
- Sufficient food and water
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- Gloves and woolly hat
- A comfortable backpack
- Optional: hiking poles, hat, camera, power bank, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded
🐶 Dogs
Fit and friendly dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a lead near livestock.
📢 Notes
- The route is planned via Strava and not pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
- This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe. Updates will be posted in the comments, so please enable email notifications for any changes.
📌 Bookings
- Please only book if you genuinely intend to attend.
- If you reserve a spot but can no longer make it, please cancel your booking or let the organiser know. It only takes a moment to update your booking, and it really helps everyone: the organiser, the walk leader, and your fellow attendees.
⛑️ Disclaimer
You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, fitness, and equipment. The group has no insurance — by RSVPing, you agree to these terms.
📬 Questions?
Feel free to comment below or message the organiser privately.