SK2149 : Track and Byway on Madge Hill

Madge Hill

299m Elevation
54m Prominence
England Country
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SK2149 : Track and Byway on Madge Hill

Jonathan Clitheroe Photo source

Overview

Exploring Madge Hill

Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Madge Hill offers a delightful escape for hikers looking to soak in the natural beauty of Derbyshire. Standing at an elevation of 294 meters, it's not exactly Everest, but sometimes it's the smaller hills that hold the biggest surprises!

Geology

Madge Hill is primarily made of gritstone, a rock that has shaped the rugged terrain of the Peak District over millennia. As you traverse the area, you’ll see how glacial action has sculpted the landscape, creating charming valleys and impressive outcrops.

Getting There

Often starting from Youlgrave, the Circular Route is a popular choice that is manageable for those with a decent level of fitness. With a distance of 7.5 km, it should take about 2.5 hours, depending on how often you stop to take breathtaking photos or catch your breath.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll find a quaint cairn adorning the top, perfect for a celebratory snack. And if you’re lucky, the local sheep might even join you for a photo op!

Terrain Types and Hazards

Expect a mix of rocky paths and grassy stretches, with some boggy patches if the weather has been less than cooperative. Watch your step, as those rocks can get a bit slippery!

Views

From the top, the vistas are beautifully rewarding. You’ll be greeted with views of the rolling hills and the charming village below. Spring and autumn are particularly splendid times to visit, serving up colourful displays that Mother Nature would nod in approval at.

Nearby Summits

Just a stone's throw away, you’ll find Cairn Hill and Highbury Hill, both of which offer further exploration opportunities if you're feeling adventurous.

Access and Facilities

Youlgrave has a few lovely cafes where you can refuel after your hike. The village hall offers parking, and buses regularly run from Bakewell for those relying on public transport. Just remember to enjoy the local delicacies; you deserve it after a good hike!

History

The name 'Madge' has its roots in local vernacular, with connections to personal histories of those who have trodden this ground – an echo of the past that adds to the charm of the place.

In summary, Madge Hill may not be the highest peak, but it certainly is a gem within the Peak District. So lace up those walking boots, pack a snack, and head out for an adventure that promises both beauty and a bit of fun along the way!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Madge Hill

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

Carsington Water: full reservoir circuit

12.4 km ~4h Moderate

View route

Tissington Trail: Ashbourne, Thorpe Station and Tissington return

12.1 km ~3h 15m Moderate

View route

Cromford Canal guided walk

View route

Cromford Canal guided walk

View route

Route planning notes

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

Madge Hill Circular Route

A scenic loop starting and ending at the nearby village of Youlgrave, passing through picturesque dales and offering panoramic views.

7.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

299m

981 ft

Prominence

54m

Coordinates

53.0432, -1.6754

SK218495

OS Map

119

Explorer: 259E

At the Summit

The summit features a small, well-defined cairn atop the rocky outcrop, providing a perfect spot for a rest and a selfie.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with occasional boggy patches.

Madge Hill is predominantly composed of gritstone, common in the Peak District, offering stunning rocky outcrops and dramatic scenery. The surrounding area is defined by rolling hills and valleys, shaped by glacial activity in the last Ice Age.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the expansive gritstone edges of the Peak District and the charming village of Youlgrave below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Madge' is thought to evoke the old dialect for a female name, hinting at the personal connections people had to the landscape.

Historical Significance

The hill is a humble yet cherished part of the Peak District’s extensive walking network, known for its natural beauty and historic trails.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

You can park at the village hall in Youlgrave, which usually has plenty of space, or there are roadside options nearby. Remember to park considerately!

Public Transport

Buses from Bakewell serve Youlgrave regularly, making it accessible for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

The village of Youlgrave offers a couple of quaint cafes and a small shop where you can grab a snack or a refreshing cup of tea, essential after conquering the hill!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery rocks, especially after rain, and take care when navigating boggy 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 Madge Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Madge Hill?

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 Madge Hill search or of course create your own walk for Madge Hill

Can I organise a walk to Madge Hill?

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 Madge Hill.

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 Madge Hill?

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 Madge Hill 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

Madge Hill location map

Grid reference: SK218495

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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