Chinley Churn & South Head

(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.

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.