SE0501 : The Pennine Way near Laddow Rocks

Black Chew Head

542m Elevation
33m Prominence
England Country
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SE0501 : The Pennine Way near Laddow Rocks

Dave Kelly Photo source

Overview

Black Chew Head: A Hiker's Delight

Nestled in the stunning Peak District, Black Chew Head stands proudly at 594 meters, making it a Marilyn with a personality! The ascent is favoured for its challenging yet manageable routes that allow you to soak in the picturesque scenery without breaking a sweat.

Geology

Black Chew Head is primarily made up of resilient gritstone, a rock that has withstood the test of time. Whether you’re an experienced geologist or just have a penchant for pretty rocks, keep your eyes peeled for fascinating fossils amid the gritstone. You never know what treasures you might find!

Routes

One of the popular routes to the summit is the Black Chew Head Circular Route. Spanning approximately 7.0 km, this route typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete at a moderate pace, making it suitable for most hikers looking for a bit of a challenge without needing a climbing harness.

Summit Features

When you reach the summit, you're greeted by a glorious cairn and a trig point—perfect for an Instagram snap! It’s a landmark that has proudly stared into the horizon, witnessing the changing landscape over time.

Views

From the top, the views are nothing short of spectacular! You’ll be able to cast your eyes over the rolling hills of Saddleworth and the distant Pennines. These sweeping vistas shimmer in late spring and autumn, offering hikers a feast for the eyes.

Hazards

As with many peaks in the UK, weather can change without a wink of an eye, so be prepared for sudden shifts in conditions. Ensure you stay on marked paths, especially in boggy areas, to keep your boots dry and temper in check.

Access

Getting to Black Chew Head is as simple as a hop, skip, and a jump from Uppermill, where you’ll find parking along the A635. If you prefer to take public transport, local buses frequently run from surrounding areas, so you can leave the car at home and embrace the joys of public transport. Just find your route, and you're away!

Facilities

After a long trek, nothing beats a warm cuppa. In Uppermill, there's no shortage of charming cafes and shops where you can refuel. They even have public toilets there. Just remember to raise your teacup to the hill you’ve conquered!

History

"Chew" in Old Norse means "the place of the river or water", a nod to the nearby Chew Brook. Black Chew Head holds both geographical and cultural significance, serving as a natural guidepost for centuries, where locals have drawn inspiration from its majestic presence.

Don't forget to wear sturdy boots and pack a decent lunch, because the views from Black Chew Head make you want to linger a little longer! Enjoy your hike!

Happy wandering!

Explore routes near Black Chew Head

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Old Glossop and Bleaklow Head Circular with B-29 Crash Site

17.4 km ~5h 30m Hard

View route

Marsden to Slaithwaite Canal Walk

7.5 km ~2h Easy

View route

Mill Hill Liberator Wreckage via Harry Hut

6.1 km ~2h 45m Moderate

View route

Scammonden Reservoir Circuit

5 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Black Chew Head Circular Route

A popular circular walk starting from the nearby A635 road, taking you through heather-clad hills and scenic landscapes before reaching the summit.

7 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Dodd Dewey Ethel Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

542m

1,778 ft

Prominence

33m

Coordinates

53.5143, -1.9168

SE056019

OS Map

110

Explorer: OL1W

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large cairn and a trig point, which is a true treat for any summit bagger. Be sure to take a selfie with it, as it won't mind a bit.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops occasionally boggy in wet weather.

The peak is primarily composed of gritstone, known for its durability and grip, perfect for a good scramble without sending you tumbling down the hill. You might even find some fascinating fossils if you look closely!

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can admire expansive views over the surrounding moorland, with notable landmarks such as the distant Pennines and the Saddleworth area.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Chew' comes from Old Norse, meaning 'the place of the river or water', fitting for the nearby Chew Brook.

Historical Significance

Historically, Black Chew Head has been a significant landmark for local navigation and a prominent feature within the landscape for centuries.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the small lay-by along the A635, just a short walk from the start of the route.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is along the A635 route, serviced by local buses from nearby towns such as Holmfirth and Saddleworth.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities in Uppermill include several cafes, shops, and public toilets, ensuring hikers can refresh after their adventures.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes; conditions can evolve rapidly in the hills. Stick to marked paths to avoid the boggiest areas.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Black Chew Head?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Black Chew Head through the maps

Are there other walkers around Black Chew Head?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Black Chew Head search or of course create your own walk for Black Chew Head

Can I organise a walk to Black Chew Head?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Black Chew Head.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Black Chew Head?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Black Chew Head here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Black Chew Head location map

Grid reference: SE056019

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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