A Dark Peak wander above Ladybower Reservoir, with rocky hilltops, sweeping views and the fascinating story of two lost villages. Moderate.

About this walk

There’s plenty packed into this little loop! We’ll climb from the shores of Ladybower towards the rocky tops of Crook Hill, where the reward is a cracking view across the reservoir and surrounding Dark Peak hills. Along the way, we’ll discover how the landscape changed when Ladybower was built and hear the stories of the communities that once lived in the valley. Expect woodland, gritstone, a good dose of fresh air and possibly some classic Peak District mud.

Distance: 6.45 km

Total ascent: 246 m

Difficulty: Moderate; some uphill sections and uneven ground

Time: Allow around 3 hours including stops

Who will be your guide?

I’m Emily, founder of Peak Outdoor Community, and I’m a Mountain Leader based in Glossop at the edge of the Dark Peak. I’ve always been outdoorsy since being a young girl but hiking became a real obsession in 2019 when I started to go solo. I aim to inspire other women to learn the many benefits of exploring in the outdoors and I’m passionate about sharing my love for adventure with you!

Feel free to check out the website: Peak Outdoor Community (https://www.peakoutdoorcommunity.com/) and follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @peakoutdoorcommunity (https://www.instagram.com/peakoutdoorcommunity)

Meeting Information

Meeting Point: Bridge End Car Park (Horse Boxes), Hope Valley S33 0AQGoogle Maps. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GQCaK1UPw14pp1JF7)

We will meet at 9.45 am to leave at 10am.

Car sharing from Glossop can often be arranged—please get in touch if you'd like adding to the group chat.

What to bring:

Hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Snacks/lunch to sustain you for up to 3 hours

Rucksack

Water (at least 1L)

Waterproofs

Warm layers

Hat and gloves

A small first aid kit with any personal medications

Walking poles, sit mat, hot drink (optional extras)

Toilets:

I'm afraid there are no toilets at the car park but we will find some hidden spots for 'wild wees' along the way.

Safety:

The aim of every Peak Outdoor Community walk is to create a welcoming, relaxed and enjoyable experience. We walk at a comfortable pace with plenty of opportunities to stop, chat, take photographs and learn about the landscape.

As with all outdoor activities, there are inherent risks. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are fit enough for the walk and should let us know about any relevant medical conditions before attending.

All participants must complete a Medical & Disclaimer Form at least 24 hours before the event.

All walks are led by qualified Mountain Leaders with Outdoor First Aid qualifications.

Dogs:

Well-behaved dogs are welcome provided they remain on a lead throughout the walk.

Refund Policy*:

Refunds are only available if Peak Outdoor Community cancels the event.

If you can no longer attend, you're welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else—please let us know beforehand.

Tickets cannot be transferred to another event unless this has been arranged.

And FINALLY:

Our walks go ahead in all seasons because some of the best adventures happen when we embrace the British weather!

In the event that the hike needs to be postponed for safety reasons (weather warnings, moor fires, etc), and you can't make the new date, you will be offered a voucher to use on a future event.

Please see our website for our full Terms & Conditions (https://www.peakoutdoorcommunity.com/tcs).

Description supplied by the event organiser.