Win Hill

Win Hill

Win Hill rises to 463.4 m above the Hope Valley and Ladybower Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District. Its rocky summit has a trig point; the recorded highest point is an outcrop 12 m west-south-west of it. In clear weather the panorama includes Lose Hill, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout.

Routes and terrain

Choose the approach to suit your experience and the conditions. Parkin Clough is a very steep woodland climb with muddy, slippery sections. Routes from Hope also involve a substantial ascent. The diagonal New Barn approach offers a gentler alternative to Parkin Clough, but still climbs to the same exposed rocky top.

The Hope circuit starts and ends in the village at SK171834, ascending via Twitchill Farm and returning via the western ridge and Fullwood Farm. The complete route is about 10.6 km with 333 m ascent and a published guide time of 4 hours.

The longer Yorkshire Bridge circuit begins at the A6013 approach, SK201854. It climbs Parkin Clough, visits Win Hill and Hope Cross, then follows Ladybower's waterside track back past the dam. Its full length is about 12.2 km, with 485 m ascent and a guide time of 5 hours. Starting from Heatherdene changes the approach; check your mapped route rather than reusing these figures unchanged.

These are complete circuits, not summit-only distances. Carry a map and plan the return before setting out.

Access and facilities

Heatherdene, off the A6013 at Ladybower, is a paid car park used for Win Hill access. Severn Trent lists postcode S33 0BY, daylight opening and no overnight parking. Extreme weather can close the car parks. Hope village is the start for the western approach and has shops, cafés and pubs.

Hope (Derbyshire) station is on the Manchester–Sheffield Hope Valley line. Allow for the walk to your chosen start and check current outward and return services. Check parking notices and local access information before travelling.

Safety

Expect rough grass, woodland tracks, stone steps and rocky summit ground. Wet paths can be slippery, especially on Parkin Clough. Wind and low cloud can make the open upper slopes more demanding; snow and ice increase the difficulty. Carry suitable footwear, waterproofs, food, water and navigation equipment. Allow enough daylight for the whole walk.

Keep dogs under control and follow local signs; Severn Trent requires leads on its land. Take care on road sections and beside the reservoir.

Geology and nearby history

The summit is capped by Lower Kinderscout Grit, a Carboniferous sandstone. Sandstone and shale layers form much of the ground below.

Hope Cross, north-west of Win Hill, is a Grade II-listed medieval cross adapted into a guidepost in 1737. It is a landmark on the longer circuit.