EYAM MOOR - HAZELFORD – STOKE FORD – EYAM MOOR

This walk starts on Eyam Moor at the eastern end of the rough section of track which crosses over the summit of Sir William Hill. There is roadside parking at the side of the track.

Cross over the lower of two stiles at the junction of the road and track, and head off across the moors with Hathersage in front of you as a landmark.

This area of Eyam Moor is called Wet Withins and contains an ancient stone circle hidden away amongst the heather as well as several cairns or tumuli. The views from this high vantage point are stupendous and draw your eyes towards the Hope Valley, with the distant landmarks of Carl Wark and Higger Tor not to mention the dark and almost sombre Edges which run down the eastern flank of the Peak District.

After wandering over the moors for almost a mile on the clearly defined path you should eventually come to a stile onto the road at Leam where you turn left and walk down the hillside towards Hazelford. The bottom of the valley will now begin to appear below with Hathersage spreading out alongside the river.

On a sharp bend just before Hazelford Hall turn left along a track which eventually takes you to Stoke Ford at the base of Bretton Clough. This is magical and mystical countryside accessible only on foot. After following a track you should cross over a stile and descend into Brook Wood where the footpath beneath the trees can become muddy in wet weather.

You will emerge by a ford in the brook on your right where there is a junction of paths and two wobbly wooden planks across the water to form a footbridge. Do not cross the footbridge but head up the bank on the left and continue along the path to a further junction of paths by the side of a newly renovated footbridge. This is Stoke Ford.

From here your destination is steeply upwards on a wonderful old packhorse route which skirts the edge of Bole Hill as it climbs back up to the moors. Down to your right Bretton Clough is often dark with enigmatic shadows and mysterious ruins steeped in history

Climb over the stile by the side of the gate at the top of the track and then take the right fork, heading towards a plantation of fir trees. Follow the path further until you emerge onto a grassy lane. Now turn left and walk up to meet the road from Bretton to Eyam. You are now at the other end of the rough track over the summit of Sir William Hill, topped with a trig point. Simply follow the rough track to find your way back to your car at the finish of the walk.