~Win Hill~
18th September 2010
A work trip to Rotherham, but I kept boots and camera handy, just in case I found a hill that warranted a summit visit on my back. I felt like an imposter, this is the first time I've walked in the Peak District without a local guide....
"Singin' hey diddle diddle..."
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk
Ladybower Reservoir & Viaduct
Heatherdene carpark was full, but there was just room for the van on the roadside. Without this space, I wouldn't have stopped here and this walk wouldn't have happened. The sky was grey and it had been raining, but just now it's dry.
Ladybower Dam and East Spillway
This is a bellmouth spillway, don't you know. Win Hill summit is just in view.
The Dam
There you are, that makes it clear.
River Derwent
The water in the river is the measured amount allowed past the dam. I am stood on the "Yorkshire Bridge"; it's not in Yorkshire, however.
Looking down Parkin Clough
The ascent route is immensely steep, makes all those hours spent on Pendle Hill's steps seem worthwhile - but this steeper, longer and a bit tricky under foot in certain sections.
Ladybower from Win Hill
Win Hill Summit 1515ft
Me on top of Win Hill?
Put your pointer on the photo to see if I made it to the top.
Hope Quarry
There's a big hole in the ground where limestone used to be.
Lose Hill (near, right) to Mam Tor (furthest bump away)
Into the woods
Ladybower
The start of the long and winding road back to the start.
Ladybower Reservoir
Ashopton Viaduct
Ladybower Dam and West Spillway
Not had much use this year, it seems.
Dam and Bamford Edge
Ladybower Viaduct
Under the Dam
Back to the Van
Walkers: Just Me
Time taken: 2hr 40 mins over a distance of approx. 5.5 miles. Almost 1,000ft of ascent from Yorkshire Bridge to the top of Win Hill.
Route: Ladybower, Win Hill via Parkin Clough, NW to the path down through the wood to the reservoir and back along the track and the dam to where the van was parked, close to Heatherdene Carpark.
Weather and conditions: Dull, a little brighter on top and a few drops of rain near the end.
Greetings Count: Quite a few folk using these popular paths. Locals did not detect the imposter and I got away with it.
Richard's Refreshment Review: McDonalds, Mottram near Hyde. They sell burgers and chips. "Do you want to go large?" asked the young lady; "I beg your pardon" came my reply.
Walk This Way
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 © (unless otherwise stated)
Take me back to the start ....