UK's Best Walks and Hikes Part 7: Padley Gorge

In Part 7 of our UK's Best Walks and Hikes series, outdoor enthusiast Georgie Thow, shares her experience on exploring Padley Gorge.

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VISIT KOMOOT FOR A ROUTE MAP & MORE INFORMATION

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This is a stunning 3-4 mile loop with many options and trails to explore. You can make it as easy as you like, with various trails zig-zagging across the route. This hike is also good to do ona rainy day,as there are large parts of the route undercover in woodland with only a few exposed sections.

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1. Parking is available at: Ordnance Survey grid reference: SK 2668 8009. Postcode: S11 7TY (woodcroft car park).

2. A short distance from the main car park are toilets, a cafe and the Longshaw Estate House. The toilets are free and well-kept, with a great choice of snacks and bigger meals and areas to sit indoors and out.

3. Starting the walk, you head left outside the main buildings, along a small path. You have fabulous views across the fields to your right and over to Owler Tor towards Hathersage. You will head through 2-3 gates, be careful to close these behind you as they keep livestock. Each gate has a couple of little facts about the estate which are fun to read.

4. After around a mile, the path heads through the main forestry store for the Longshaw Estate, so be careful if you have dogs off the lead or young children - don't be tempted to climb on the stacked logs!

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5. Shortly after this, a stile will appear on your right and you will turn off the main path and head West across a field. The paths are obvious to follow, but the heather can grow quite high. The path heads off down the field, you will follow it until you reach ¾ of the way and the path becomes steeper. At this point you will see lots of trails heading north towards the main treeline and wall. Head this way to the top of the wall and walk along the wall through the trees. The route then takes a windy path down to the road at the bottom. Be careful, as the crossing at the bottom of the road is quite hidden. This can get fairly steep, so a pair of walking boots with good grip is recommended.

6. Straight across the road you will see the sign for Padley Gorge. Heading Back North West, there are numerous walking routes you can take - all of which take you to the bottom of the gorge around Burbage Brook. Once you reach the side of Burbage Brook, do not cross it, instead walk until you come to the bridge that you can cross.

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7. Cross the bridge and this is your half way mark. The next section heads back up, keeping the brook on your right. There are plenty of areas to paddle in the brook and having a waterproof pair of boots like the Keen NXIS Evo Walking shoes, is essential for hopping over rocks and around the shallow areas at the top.

8. To get back to the car park, you simply come back on yourself at the top - this is well signposted. The car park is on your left, and the toilets and cafe are on the path in front of you.

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