2024-04-03 20:39
Bamford Edge
After recently getting myself back into the swing of things with a walk up Bleaklow, I decided this time to visit a spot that, despite it’s popularity, I’ve only eve… Read More
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Hill Explorer - Hill Walking, Hiking, And Scrambli Blog
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Route descriptions, GPS files, and photos for a variety of walks, hillwalks, and scrambles in the Peak District, Snowdonia, the East Midlands, and more.
2024-03-08 09:34
Rhodeswood and Torside Reservoirs
After losing my hiking mojo since the COVID lockdown (which explains the absence of recent posts on this website), this was my first walk for quite some tim… Read More
2022-11-18 21:26
2021-10-29 21:50
2021-10-29 20:33
2021-10-29 20:32
2021-10-14 20:47
2021-04-02 10:44
South Nab, Lady Cross, and Round Hill
This was the second walk of a very hot sunny spring day. I’d completed the previous walk up to Snailsden Edge and Dead Edge End at lunchtime and… Read More
2021-04-02 09:15
It’s not often I frequent the moors north of the A628 so I thought it would make a good location for my first Peak District walk since last summer. The weather forecasts were looking e… Read More
2020-09-22 11:38
I hadn’t been on a walk in Snowdonia since the summer before, where I failed the Welsh 3000s challenge. It was time to stop sulking about that and return. The plan was to obtain Crib G… Read More
2020-08-16 12:14
Win Hill and the Great Ridge
The first section of this walk, as far as Kinder Scout, is identical to the Edale Skyline route from Yorkshire Bridge. After crossing the River Derwent, head ste… Read More
2020-08-11 16:38
This route was designed not only as a way of exploring Bleaklow, but also for me to experience my first ever wild camp. It’s something I’ve thought about doing for some time and… Read More
2020-06-11 20:27
When the kids arrive, I usually try to find a route for them to do that involves plenty of rock interest. I decided that Ringing Roger on Kinder Scout was ideal. We could have done a bit mor… Read More
2020-01-23 22:34
Last year, I decided to make my first walk of the year a long route around the Upper Derwent Reservoirs in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District. It was an enjoyable walk and so I thought… Read More
2020-01-21 11:53
After seeing that the weather forecast was looking extremely good for the weekend, I decided to get my son, Harry, out for his first walk of the year. He’d been up Higger Tor in the D… Read More
2019-11-25 19:00
I designed this route as a way of exploring a couple of ascent (or descent) routes that I hadn’t used before. Also, I desperately needed to get out for a walk. I hadn’t been on… Read More
2019-11-12 22:31
I had been extremely lazy over the Christmas period and was itching to get out for a good long walk. I put the route together quickly on the OS Maps website, not worrying too much about qua… Read More
2019-11-04 17:30
This walk was intended as a final training walk before I attempted the Welsh 3000’s (which I went on to fail). The idea was to have a good look at Elidir Fawr to see if I could see a… Read More
2019-10-07 09:18
2019-06-24 21:31
Preparations
After a successful (but not painless) attempt at the Welsh 3000’s a few years back, I decided to have another go at it this year – but this time north to south. The… Read More
2019-06-06 20:50
I met up with Michelle, my walking partner for the day, in the car park at Nant Gwynant. It had been a tiring drive but I was eager to get on up into the mountains. The object of today was… Read More
2019-04-24 20:27
Crowden Clough is always a fun day out for children, especially during a dry spell where they can climb the dried up waterfalls directly. My older two children, Sam and Luke, were visiting f… Read More
2019-04-16 22:02
‘Outdoor Adventures with Children – Lake District‘ is a new guidebook from Cicerone Press detailing 40 family days with under 12’s exploring, biking, scrambling, and… Read More
2019-04-03 21:29
The day before this walk, I completed the Fairfield Horseshoe in glorious weather. That night, as darkness fell and I sat in my car preparing to snooze, the thick fog rolled in. It was no su… Read More
2019-03-06 13:27
Ringing Roger
I devised this as a walk to take my 4 year old son, Harry, on. He doesn’t quite have the legs yet for a long hike but likes to feel that he’s climbed a mountain. Th… Read More
2019-03-04 22:02
This walk was a bit of a last minute decision. The weather forecast told me that Wednesday would be the last day of the freakish February mini summer we were having, and I really hadn’… Read More
2018-12-23 20:56
The post Beacon Hill Country Park appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2018-11-05 14:46
The walk starts by Llyn Ogwen, at any free parking space that you can find. There are quite a few parking areas on the stretch of road between Ogwen Cottage and Tryfan. Head west to the end… Read More
2018-10-03 21:24
For the past couple of years, I’ve been suggesting to my kids that they might fancy giving the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge a go. Up until this year, they half-heartedly gave it some co… Read More
2018-09-22 09:41
The walk starts in Kettlewell in the large car park on the main road. Continuing north-east, take the first turning on the right and follow Middle Lane for a short distance. This can be conf… Read More
2018-09-19 20:01
After his initiation to the Dark Peak, I decided to try moving the little one to the next level to see what he was capable of. I was looking for something around 3 miles long but providing t… Read More
2018-09-16 15:03
The post Bamford Edge and Moor appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2018-09-16 14:56
The post The Simonside Hills appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2018-09-16 14:55
The post Rothbury Terraces appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2018-09-11 13:25
I had multiple options on where to start this route, including Keswick and the north side of Latrigg, but in the end decided to start up at the Dodd Wood car park and get the big ascents out… Read More
2018-09-07 14:06
The route starts initially by following the Llanberis with (especially on a summers weekend) hoards of other walkers. There’s a little trick though to escape and enjoy a much quieter w… Read More
2018-07-31 19:55
This was the first of 2 walks that I’d planned to do over two days in the Lake District. The goal for these 2 days was to bag the majority of the main northern fells as well as the wel… Read More
2018-06-23 19:02
This walk was designed to give my 3 year old son, Harry, his first taste of the Dark Peak. At this age, I didn’t really want to give him anything that involved too much climbing, or to… Read More
2018-06-21 20:36
This route is taken from the excellent Cicerone ‘Dark Peak Walks’ book and starts at one of the small parking areas at the end of the western branch of Howden Reservoir. From the… Read More
2018-06-18 20:55
From the starting point at Trent Bridge, the route follows the riverside path past the Nottingham & Union Rowing Club, and then The City Ground – home of Nottingham Forest Football… Read More
2018-05-17 21:37
This was the first walk of three that I managed to complete as part of a mini two day adventure in Northumberland – a county that I had never set foot in before. I’d been sent a… Read More
2018-05-15 21:28
I was recently sent a copy of the new book ‘Walking in Northumberland’ to review by Cicerone Press. I quite enjoy opportunities like this as it gives me an excuse to go out and t… Read More
2018-05-14 22:10
We started the walk at the rather expensive car park at the end of Beach Lane (£6 for 4 hours!). It was a beautiful day. The sun had come out, the sky was a rich blue, and it felt like… Read More
2018-03-19 22:33
This was a walk that I devised to cover a few of the areas around Kinder Scout that I hadn’t done before. After a fairly straight-forward and non-eventful drive there, I parked on the… Read More
2018-03-12 22:33
August last year saw me and the kids out on a little scrambling adventure in the Lake District. The idea was simple enough: Some grade 1 scrambling in Lower Dungeon Ghyll before cutting acro… Read More
2018-03-05 22:31
The route starts at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, with side of the road parking available just a hundred yards up the road. A brief spell of road walking follows, down Ashopton Road for a short… Read More
2018-02-19 14:30
This walk can be found in the excellent Cicerone book, ‘Dark Peak Walks’ by Paul Besley, a book that I highly recommend if you’re interested in visiting this wonderful part… Read More
2018-01-14 22:19
Summary:
A walk in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District that covers the popular area of Derwent edge before making its way back via Back Tor, Lost Lad, and Walkers Clough
Route Informati… Read More
2017-12-30 16:36
Summary:
A Dark Peak walk starting at Birchen Clough Bridge and ascending Oyster Clough before moving on to Cowms Rocks and Alport Castles. The route then returns back to Birchen Clough Brid… Read More
2017-12-12 14:38
Summary:
A Dark Peak walk around the full Edale Skyline, starting at Win Hill and covering the Lose Hill to Mam Tor ridge, Rushup Edge, Brown Knoll, and Kinder Scout’s southern edge… Read More
2017-11-25 16:25
The post Dungeon Ghyll Lower and Jack’s Rake appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2017-11-25 16:22
The post West Runton Circular: Beacon Hill and Beeston Bump appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2017-10-20 13:10
Ordnance Survey maps are the ‘go to’ maps for most people. But are they necessarily the best maps to use for every situation and environment? As it’s National Map Reading w… Read More
2017-10-18 21:23
Summary:
A simple walk close to the border of Snowdonia, taking in two modestly sized and rarely ascended hills, Craig yr Hafod and Graig Ddu. The walk can easily be extended to include some… Read More
2017-10-13 07:01
Summary:
A simple trek up to summit of Moel Siabod in Snowdonia via the grade 1 rated Daear Ddu Ridge, before returning back towards Pont Cyfyng along the crest of the mountain.
Route Infor… Read More
2017-10-02 21:30
Summary:
A Dark Peak walk that begins in Edale and takes in the hill summits of South Head and Mount Famine before crossing to Kinder Scouts western edge at Red Brook. From here, it’s… Read More
2017-09-30 19:29
The post The Pendle Way (in 24 hours) appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2017-09-09 11:09
Summary:
A walk around the Peak District eastern moors, starting at the Longshaw Estate and taking in Higger Tor and Burbage Edge before heading to Limb Valley via Ox Stones and Lady Canning… Read More
2017-09-07 11:55
Summary:
A walk to Scafell Pike in the Lake District Southern Fells, starting at Seathwaite and ascending via the popular corridor route before returning by the way of Broad Crag, Esk Hause… Read More
2017-09-05 09:48
Summary:
A link up of classic scrambles around Tryfan and Glyder Fach. The route starts at Cwm Idwal with the Idwal Staircase and Continuation before tackling the Cneifion Arête and Sh… Read More
2017-08-01 12:39
Steve Ashton’s ‘Scrambles in Snowdonia’ (Cicerone Press) is a book well known to keen scramblers up and down the country. A new edition is to be released this August, revis… Read More
2017-07-12 11:15
Summary:
A walk in the Dark Peak exploring the south-west section of Bleaklow. The route starts on the Doctor’s Gate footpath and heads up to Bleaklow Head via a few of the interesting… Read More
2017-07-10 11:32
Summary:
A walk around the Langdale Pikes in the Lake District central fells via the classic grade 1 scramble of Jack’s Rake. This route starts at Grasmere before making it’s way… Read More
2017-06-28 13:28
Summary:
The Derwent Watershed is exactly that. It takes the highest ground around the Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs, passing the sources of various brooks and rivers that feed into them… Read More
2017-06-14 12:40
Summary:
A simple and pleasant stroll to Hull Pot, a collapsed cavern in the Yorkshire Dales, starting from Horton-in-Ribblesdale.
Route Information
Ascent: 192mLength: 2 milesStart: Horto… Read More
2017-05-24 21:18
Summary:
The Yorkshire Three Peaks comprise of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The hills are traditionally also walked in that order, starting at the village of Horton in Ribblesda… Read More
2017-05-10 17:14
Summary:
A tough walk around the Upper Derwent Valley skyline in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District. Starting on the A57, this route covers Alport Castles, Westend Moor, and Bleaklow be… Read More
2017-05-07 22:05
Summary:
A hike around the Cleveland Hills in the North York Moors which covers over 16 miles and 8 summits. These summits include Urra Moor, Carlton Moor and Cringle Moor.
Route Information… Read More
2017-04-27 10:07
Summary:
A short but interesting walk in the South Pennines just south of Burnley. The walk visits the unique sculpture, The Singing Ringing Tree, before following the Burnley Way footpath t… Read More
2017-04-19 21:52
Summary:
A day of easy scrambling in the Dark Peak, utilising two of Kinder Scouts popular ascent routes. The first ascent is by the way of Grindsbrook and, after descending via Grindslow Kn… Read More
2017-04-02 21:58
Summary:
The Grisedale Horseshoe is a tough walk in the Lake District Eastern Fells that starts (and ends) in Glenridding, and takes in the fells that surround Grisedale Beck aswell as the h… Read More
2017-03-17 00:28
Summary:
A strenuous walk around Kinder Scout in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District, taking in 6 different ascent routes including the four brooks of Blackden Brook, Grindsbrook Clough… Read More
2017-03-09 16:20
The post Review: Windproof Neckwarmer BUFF appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2017-02-28 13:20
Summary:
An enjoyable stroll in the Derwent Valley and Dark Peak area of the Peak District that takes in Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge before circling around and returning via White Edge. It… Read More
2017-02-13 17:06
Summary:
This fine walk in the South-West Peak area of the Peak District begins at the Pym Chair car park above Goyt Valley, and initially ventures to Windgather Rocks before dropping to low… Read More
2017-02-04 10:28
Summary:
This fine walk in the White Peak area of the Peak District begins at Middleton, and covers Bradford Dale and Lathkill Dale before returning back along a section of the Limestone Way… Read More
2017-01-18 21:55
Earlier in the week, through the Outdoor Bloggers group that I’m a member of, I saw that one of the members – Sarah of The Urban Wanderer – was starting a new ‘Blogge… Read More
2017-01-18 15:46
Summary:
This walk in the Peak District starts in Edale and heads straight to the Kinder Scout plateau before making a complete traverse of its edges. It finally descends at Grindslow Knoll… Read More
2017-01-15 16:19
Summary:
This walk in the Peak District starts by the side of Ladybower Reservoir, before heading to Alport Castles via Alport Dale, and finally returning back down to Howden Reservoir.
Rou… Read More
2017-01-10 12:55
Summary:
The Yorkshire Three Peaks comprise of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. The hills are traditionally also walked in that order, starting at the village of Horton in Ribblesda… Read More
2016-11-29 21:17
Summary:
A long walk that starts at Ilam Hall and heads to the Hamps Valley, which it follows northwards as far as the magnificent Thors Cave. The route then heads back towards Ilam along hi… Read More
2016-11-04 15:05
Summary
A walk around the Great Ayton area of North Yorkshire, starting with Great Ayton Moor before heading over to Roseberry Topping via Hutton Lowcross Woods. The walk then continues via… Read More
2016-10-29 17:58
Summary
A high level walk above Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District, starting with Crook Hill before heading over Bridge-end Pasture and down to the Derwent Dam. The walk then continue… Read More
2016-10-16 15:00
Summary: A high level circuit around Matlock Bath in the Peak District, starting with the prominent High Tor before moving on towards the Heights of Abraham and Masson Hill. The walk also t… Read More
2016-10-07 15:10
Snowdonia’s classic Clogwyn y Person Arête scramble was my destination earlier in the week, and it was a scramble I’d been wanting to do for some time. There are two main w… Read More
2016-09-14 18:36
Interactive map of the full route:
The post Matlock Bath, High Tor, and Masson Hill appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2016-08-23 21:40
Brimham Rocks are a collection of eroded millstone grit rock formations in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, and owned by the National Trust. It’s a place my own mum and dad took me and my… Read More
2016-08-17 21:30
An epic day of hiking and scrambling around Ogwen starting with a hike up to Bwlch Eryl Farchog for a touch of introductory scrambling on the nose of rock that leads upwards towards Carnedd… Read More
2016-08-14 14:43
Waved Slab, on Carnedd y Filiast, is a mod rated climb and not classed as a scramble. As well as being my first climb, it was also my first experience with ropework under the excellent guida… Read More
2016-07-10 19:28
The post Dovedale and Wolfscote Dale appeared first on Hill Explorer Read More
2016-07-04 09:04
The walk started at the Cat and Fiddle pub on the A537. The pub – as many have told me – is the highest one in England, however after doing a quick bit of research, I found this… Read More
2016-06-15 06:24
Bryant’s Gully is a grade 2+ scramble on the south side of the Glyders. It follows a line up the Glyder Fawr south-west spur of Esgair Felen, from the valley floor all the way to its c… Read More
2016-06-11 16:54
The Belvoir Witches Challenge Walk begins in Bottesford, Leicestershire, and takes in part of the Grantham Canal, Denton Reservoir, and Belvoir Castle. It’s a circular walk and is an o… Read More
2016-05-20 11:41
This day of scrambling on the mountains of Tryfan and Glyder Fach in Snowdonia took in two scrambles which I’d never done before – Milestone Gully Approach on the western face of… Read More
2016-05-20 11:41
Walk Completed on 13th May, 2016.
This day of scrambling on the mountains of Tryfan and Glyder Fach in Snowdonia took in two scrambles which I’d never done before – Milestone Gul… Read More
2016-05-09 14:19
Walk Completed on 5th May, 2016. Total Distance: 16.5 miles.
The sun was out, and after my recent enjoyable circuit around Edale, I decided to head back to the Peak District and bag a couple… Read More
2016-04-20 12:49
Walk Completed on 17th April, 2016. Total Distance: 13.4 miles.
This arduous but rewarding walk takes in some of the finest hills and views in the Peak District. Starting in Edale valley its… Read More
2016-04-12 20:29
As me and the kids were heading to Lancashire to visit relatives, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to squeeze in another hill walk – especially as they were still on a high fro… Read More
2016-04-12 20:29
Walk Completed on 6th April, 2016. Total Distance: 3.76 miles.
As me and the kids were heading to Lancashire to visit relatives, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to squeeze in anothe… Read More
2016-04-11 12:36
Walk Completed on 4th April, 2016. Total Distance: 4 miles.
I had my two children visiting for the week and, on such occasions, I always like to take them on a few treks up into the hills an… Read More
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