Peak District walk: Alport Castles and Margery Hill (14 miles)
Details
This 14-mile circular trek starts at the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre at Fairholmes. We head uphill and, as the landscape grows more dramatic, we arrive at Alport Castles — a vast landslip of leaning rock towers and shattered cliffs that feels unexpectedly alpine.
We then descend to Slippery Stones, where the River Derwent spills over broad gritstone slabs at the head of the valley.
Climbing onto the high moors brings us to Margery Hill, the highest point in South Yorkshire, and High Stones — two exposed summits set in open peatland with big skies and expansive views across the Derwent watershed.
The walk then finishes along Wilfrey Edge, a quieter gritstone escarpment overlooking the reservoirs, offering sweeping valley views before the final descent.
Overall, it’s a route that combines river scenery, dramatic rock formations, high moorland solitude and classic Dark Peak viewpoints in one substantial day out.
📍 Meeting Location & Time
- Meeting Location: Upper Derwent Visitor Centre, Fairholmes Car Park, Fairholmes, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ
- Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gMCnsXHZ8pdBXaQb6
- Link to What3words: https://w3w.co/parked.card.flirts
- Meeting Time: 9:20 AM
- Start Time: 9:30 AM
🥾 Walk Overview
- Distance: ~14 miles (23 km)
- Elevation Gain: ~2,125 ft (650 mt)
- Duration: around 6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Circular
- Walk Leader: Patrick
⛰️ Route Highlights
- Alport Castles
- Slippery Stones
- Margery Hill
- Wilfrey Edge
- High Stones
🐇🐢 Pace & Fitness Requirements
This is a long walk intended for those in good physical condition, so it is important to be prepared. You should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for an extended period of time. Participants need to be able to maintain a steady, consistent pace throughout the route.
📲 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 Komoot 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.