SK0995 : Approaching Bleaklow Head

Bleaklow Head

633m Elevation
128m Prominence
England Country
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SK0995 : Approaching Bleaklow Head

Jonathan Clitheroe Photo source

Explore routes near Bleaklow 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

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Mill Hill Liberator Wreckage via Harry Hut

6.1 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Kinder Scout from Edale Circular

13 km ~5h Hard

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Langsett Northern Shore and Woodland

3.9 km ~1h 20m Easy

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Route planning notes

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

The Pennine Way

A popular long-distance trail that passes over Bleaklow Head, offering stunning views and a well-trodden path.

15 km ~5 hours Moderate

From Torside Reservoir

An alternative route starting at Torside, passing through scenic moorland and offering a bit of everything - heather, bog, and rocky patches.

10 km ~4 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Simm Hewitt Nuttall Ethel

Elevation

633m

2,077 ft

Prominence

128m

Coordinates

53.4613, -1.8590

SK094960

OS Map

110

Explorer: OL1W

At the Summit

The summit is topped by a large cairn, with a stone trig point nearby. It's a typical sight for adventurers and a perfect place for a celebratory cheese sandwich.

Terrain & Geology

Moorland rocky boggy in places often wet underfoot.

Bleaklow Head is primarily composed of peat and gritstone. The landscape is shaped by glacial activity, giving it a rugged character. You'll find a mix of moorland and rocky outcrops, typical of the southern Pennines.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the Peak District, the distant Kinder Scout, as well as the expansive moors stretching out toward Glossop. On a clear day, the views are simply breathtaking.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bleaklow' likely derives from Old English, meaning 'bleak hill'. The 'Head' signifies the top or summit of this particular hill.

Historical Significance

Historically, this area was used for sheep farming and is rich in history, with remnants of old lead mining activities in the vicinity.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a large car park at Torside Reservoir, located a short distance from the starting point for both routes.

Public Transport

Buses run to Glossop, with a short walk to the car park area for access to the routes.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on Bleaklow Head, Glossop offers cafes, pubs, and toilets. Keep your eye out for the local delicacies!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of changeable weather; mist and rain can descend quickly. The terrain can be boggy, so sturdy footwear is a must. Additionally, navigation skills are important as the area is prone to poor visibility.

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 Bleaklow Head?

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

Are there other walkers around Bleaklow 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 Bleaklow Head search or of course create your own walk for Bleaklow Head

Can I organise a walk to Bleaklow 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 Bleaklow 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 Bleaklow 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 Bleaklow 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

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SK094960

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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