(S/E)The walk starts from a car park in Chinley (grid ref SK038824). From the car park's narrow entrance turn left in a westerly direction along the road then right at the footpath sign. This path takes you over the railway bridge. After crossing the railway there are some steps up to the left then you head up right across the local nature reserve. On reaching the road turn briefly left then right at the corner and almost immediately right again up the steep bridleway.
(1)Keep on this bridleway bearing left towards the end to reach grid reference 039836. Take the path left then after the stile climb the steep short path on the right into the disused quarry. Although the summit and trig point of Chinley Churn is out of bounds it is interesting to spend a little time wandering with care in the quarries, certainly the views across the valley make the effort worthwhile.
(2)Proceed along the path north to the gate in the lane to Hills Farm (grid ref 041849). Then right down this lane to the road at Peep-O-Day. Allegedly this interesting name comes from the position of the small window above the porch of the house. In the early morning sun shines through this window onto and down the stairs.
(3)Turn left on the main road then continue up the bridleway on the right. Turn right again following the bridleway to the gate at the end where a sign provides details of nature in the area (grid ref 056846). Keep to the path ahead, bearing left at the fork to skirt to the left of South Head. Alternatively you can take the visible path up to South Head summit for the views before dropping back down to the path on your left.
(4)Turn right at the next bridleway (grid ref 066843) passing Beet Farm, with its thoughtful inscriptions above the windows. On reaching the collection of farm buildings named 'Hull End' (grid ref 055827) turn right passing in front of the converted barn with its large window. Follow the path through the farm to a stream then right up the fields to turn left along the lane at the cottages to the road.
(5)Cross over the road to the lane ahead passing White Knowl Farm. Ddo not go straight ahead it is a dead end in a private house - you need to turn right through the farm yard to a gate which leads to the walled lane. Following the walled lane (grid ref 047831) brings you to a tunnel under the railway and the road ahead. Turn right on the road and walk through Chinley to your start.
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 204 m - Start: Chinley car park
1 : km 0.78 - alt. 258 m - Turn right up bridleway
2 : km 3.18 - alt. 385 m - Gate to Hills Farm: turn right
3 : km 4.02 - alt. 333 m - Peep-O-Day: turn left onto main road
4 : km 6.46 - alt. 418 m - Turn right at bridleway
5 : km 9.05 - alt. 245 m - Cross over road to lane ahead
S/E : km 10.89 - alt. 204 m - Finish: Chinley car park
Useful Information
This walk makes you familiar with the hills that you can see driving along the A6 Whaley Bridge By-pass and provides a useful introduction to hill walking in the Peak District.
Once back in Chinley it is a bit of an extra walk to the Old Hall Inn but worth it for a delightful historic pub with real ciders and good (though not cheap) food and friendly service. Accommodation is also available here: http://www.old-hall-inn.co.uk
Unlike the main Edale routes this walk is not that busy even on a Bank Holiday.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 12/10/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
A group of six walked this walk on a very blustery day so given the exposed area we did take a wind beating. The walk instructions are easy to follow. The path up to Chinley Churn is narrow and steep. Several really amazing view points along the route. We all enjoyed the walk.
Sarita J
Thank you for your feedback on this walk. We have adapted the walk description inline with your comments. If you have any photos, please feel free to add those too!
djf61
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 06/05/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Great walk with fine views and varied scenery, not too challenging at any stage (the steepest bit is the optional ascent to South Head). For most of the way the route is obvious enough but there are a few points where the directions are less than clear. After crossing the railway at the start there are some steps up to the left then you head up right across the local nature reserve. At the road head briefly left, then right then almost immediately right again up the path. After a while there is a left turn towards the Edge and you cross a cattle grid (or you can go on and turn left a bit later). Once over the main road and on the bridleway there comes a point where you need to bear a clear left to reach South Head. If you are tempted by the Public House at New Smithy - don't be! It is no longer here. After re-crossing the main road you get to the farm - do not go straight ahead it is a dead end in a private house - you need to turn right through the farm yard to a gate which leads to the walled lane. Once back in Chinley it is a bit of an extra walk to the Old Hall Inn but worth it for a delightful historic pub with real ciders and good (though not cheap) food and friendly service. It is then 15 mins back to the station. The walk took us about 4 hours at a leisurely pace with ascent of South Head. Unlike the main Edale routes this walk is not that busy even on a Bank Holiday.
