A winter circular hike from Hathersage. Dramatic edges, ancient woodland, riverside rambling followed by a leisurely festive lunch.

Welcome to Freshwalks. This special festive ramble and lunch event is part of our own vibrant business community programme and everyone is welcome to join us for a day of hiking and networking in the great outdoors. Feel free to come alone - most Freshwalkers do - and you'll be warmly welcomed or invite a colleague or client along for company. Please note we're keeping this event dog-free.

Route description

Starting in the charming village of Hathersage, this circular winter hike begins with a steady climb across farmland towards the gritstone heights of Millstone Edge. The air is crisp, the heather muted under December’s pale light, as views stretch over the frosted valley below. Following the edge, the route descends gently to meet the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, where riverside paths wind through quiet fields and bare-branched woodland. The River Derwent’s steady flow accompanies the final stretch back to Hathersage, with the soft winter sun low on the horizon. A rewarding blend of open moorland and tranquil waterside walking before a festive lunch at The George.

Route: Hathersage - Hathersage Moor - Millstone Edge - River Derwent - Hathersage

Distance: 10.8km

Grade: Medium (more info on grading here)

Max elevation: 373m / Total ascent: 268m

Proposed schedule:

09:45 - Meeting, Oddfellows Road car park

10:00 - Walk starts

13:15 - Walk finishes, The George, Hathersage

13:30 - Festive three course lunch (menu TBC)

16:00 - Event finishes

Walk leader: Michael Di Paola

Meeting location: Oddfellows Road Car Park, Oddfellows Road, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1DU

Parking: Please park in Oddfellows Road car park where it should cost £6.60 for an all-day stay. PayByPhone location 806393.

Public transport: 08:48 train from Manchester Piccadilly to arrive in Hathersage 09:45 or the 09:14 train from Sheffield to arrive in Hathersage 09:32.

Toilets: Customer only toilets at Hathersage Swimming Pool cafe across the road from the car park. Public toilets a few minutes walk away.

Post-walk: The George, Hathersage

Description supplied by the event organiser.