SK1773 : Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar S4192

Wardlow Hay Cop

370m Elevation
53m Prominence
England Country
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SK1773 : Ordnance Survey Trig Pillar S4192

Peter Wood Photo source

Overview

Wardlow Hay Cop

Wardlow Hay Cop stands proudly at an elevation of 500 meters, making it a delightful Marilyn that attracts walkers from near and far. Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, this hill not only offers stunning views but also provides a feast for the senses with its diverse geology and rich flora.

Geology

The craggy limestone landscape of Wardlow Hay Cop is a prominent example of the region's geological heritage. The underlying limestone rocks have shaped its unique features, creating interesting crevices and scarp slopes. As you hike, keep an eye out for fascinating rock formations and maybe even a few fossils if you're lucky!

Parking and Access

Access to Wardlow Hay Cop is a breeze. The nearest parking is available in the charming village of Wardlow, where the locals are helpful and friendly (as long as you don’t ask them for directions to Narnia!). Alternatively, you can park at the Monsal Head car park, which offers a breathtaking view as a bonus - a great place to snap a photo before heading out to the hill.

Trails

  • From Wardlow Village: This easy 2.5 km trail takes you through picturesque fields, ideal for families and those seeking a leisurely stroll. Expect to reach the summit in about an hour.
  • From Monsal Head: For those looking to up the ante, this 4 km route is moderate in difficulty and promises to test your legs while rewarding you with stellar views of the Monsal Dale.

Summit Features

Reaching the summit, you'll find a quaint stone cairn and a rustic wooden post at the peak. It’s an excellent spot to catch your breath, take in the panoramic views, and perhaps share your finest summit selfies!

Terrain and Viewing Highlights

The terrain on Wardlow Hay Cop is grassy with rocky outcrops, making it manageable for most hikers. The summit also presents breathtaking views of the surrounding area. On clear days, gaze out over the rolling hills and lush valleys of the Peak District, with the White Peak's limestone dales visible in the distance.

Hazards

Like any true adventure, there are a few hazards to keep you on your toes. After rainfall, paths can become quite slippery, so consider wearing sturdy footwear. And beware of those cheeky sheep - they might just be planning to share your sandwich!

Facilities

Once you've completed your hike, why not pop into the nearby tearoom in Wardlow or head over to Bakewell for a slice of their famous tart? A well-earned reward, if we do say so ourselves!

Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a novice explorer, Wardlow Hay Cop offers a delightful blend of nature, history, and stunning views. Get your hiking boots on, pack your camera, and enjoy the great outdoors in this beautiful part of the UK!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Wardlow Hay Cop

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

Miller’s Dale to Bakewell guided walk

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Miller’s Dale to Bakewell guided walk

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Miller’s Dale to Bakewell guided walk

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Miller’s Dale to Bakewell guided walk

View route

Route planning notes

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

From Wardlow Village

A pleasant and straightforward ascent from the quaint village of Wardlow, weaving through lush pastures and scenic paths.

2.5 km ~1 hours Easy

From Monsal Head

A more challenging route with some elevation gain, this trail provides stunning views of the Monsal Dale and surrounding valleys.

4 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

300-399m hill Ethel

Elevation

370m

1,214 ft

Prominence

53m

Coordinates

53.2625, -1.7338

SK178739

OS Map

119

Explorer: OL24E

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a stone cairn and a small wooden post which adds a rustic charm. The panoramic views from the top are quite rewarding, provided the weather is on your side!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops gentle slopes leading up to the summit.

Wardlow Hay Cop is primarily composed of limestone, which gives it the rugged features characteristic of the Peak District. The rock formations provide a mix of interesting karst features and a rich habitat for various flora and fauna.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see the rolling hills of the Peak District and the distant outline of the White Peak area, including the iconic limestone dales.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Wardlow Hay Cop derives its name from the Old English 'ward' meaning 'watch' and 'low' meaning 'hill', suggesting it was a lookout point.

Historical Significance

The hill has been a beloved hiking spot for locals and visitors alike, and boasts a rich blend of nature and history, being part of the traditional Peak District landscape.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Wardlow has limited parking available near the village hall. Alternatively, consider parking at the Monsal Head car park (pay and display) which provides access to several routes.

Public Transport

There are occasional bus services from Bakewell to Wardlow. The nearest railway station is in Bakewell, about 5 miles away.

Nearby Facilities

The village of Wardlow has a small tearoom and public toilets in nearby Bakewell.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths after rain, and grazing livestock along some routes. Be mindful of sudden weather changes in the hills.

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 Wardlow Hay Cop?

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

Are there other walkers around Wardlow Hay Cop?

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 Wardlow Hay Cop search or of course create your own walk for Wardlow Hay Cop

Can I organise a walk to Wardlow Hay Cop?

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 Wardlow Hay Cop.

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 Wardlow Hay Cop?

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 Wardlow Hay Cop here

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

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Location

Wardlow Hay Cop location map

Grid reference: SK178739

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