GRINDLEFORD AND PADLEY GORGE WALK
THE WALK
There can be no doubt that the Grindleford Padley Gorge Walk is one of the most popular in the Peak District, through beautiful Padley Gorge and Longshaw Estate. When crossing the railway bridge at the start of the walk, Totley Tunnel can be seen on the right. When the tunnel opened in 1896, it brought with it prosperity to an otherwise largely landlocked area.
Padley Gorge, a place of great beauty, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its plant and wildlife. The woods are one of the best surviving examples of ancient oak woodland in the South Pennines.
After crossing a stretch of open moorland by the side of the Burbage Brook, you arrive at Longshaw Lodge. Below is Longshaw Meadow, where every September, the country’s oldest sheepdog trials are held. The last section of the walk takes you along a farm track before descending through woods back to Grindleford Station.
LOOK OUT FOR
Route Point 1 – Totley Tunnel, opened in 1893, but it was a year later before passenger services started. It is Britain’s second-longest inland railway tunnel, three miles and 950 yards in length and took over four years to complete. Tunnelling was undertaken from either end and finished when both tunnels met on 23 October 1892. Part of the tunnel is in Derbyshire and part in Yorkshire. When it opened, it brought prosperity with it.
Point 2 – Padley Mill originally served as a corn mill, saw mill and wire-drawing mill. Powered by the waters of the Burbage Brook, it played a significant part in the region’s industrial development. It was still operational when Totley Tunnel opened, but it is now a private residence. When the conversion took place, as many as possible of the architectural features were retained. It is a Grade II listed building.
Point 3 – Padley Gorge, a place of great beauty, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its plant and wildlife. The woods are one of the best surviving examples of ancient oak woodland in the South Pennines. It is a very popular destination for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Point 5 – Longshaw Visitor Centre is in the outbuildings of Longshaw House. It is a popular place to stop and have something to eat, or to purchase a gift from the National Trust shop. Originally, the house was a shooting lodge for the Duke of Rutland. It has been converted into private flats and is not open to the public. Below is Longshaw Meadow, where every September, the country’s oldest trials for sheepdogs are held. The trials first started in 1898.
WALK DETAILS
Length: 3.75miles.
Start: Station Approach Car Park, Grindleford.
Location: On the B6521, two miles south of the A6187/A625 Sheffield to Hathersage Road.
Terrain: Some moderate ascents and descents. Can be muddy.
Refreshments: Sir William Hotel, standing at a height of 1,200 feet above sea level, is an imposing building with fine views over the Derwent Valley; The Maynard is a superb boutique hotel close to Grindleford Railway Station; the Grindleford Station Café is an excellent walkers’ café. Longshaw National Trust Visitor Centre Café is another alternative.
THE ROUTE
1. From the Grindleford station approach road, walk across the railway bridge with Totley Tunnel on your right. It connects Derbyshire and Yorkshire and is the second-longest railway tunnel in the country.
2. Continue along the obvious track past Padley Mill before, within about 40 yards, turning right onto a wide track which climbs gently up the hillside.
3. Go through a swing gate to enter Padley Gorge and follow the main track through the wood with the Burbage Brook deep in the gorge on your right. After leaving the woods, continue close to the brook on your right for about half a mile before crossing the second footbridge you encounter.
4. Follow the surfaced path for 80 yards before turning right along a clear track leading to a swing stile gate, and then follow a wide path straight on to reach the B6521 Grindleford to Owler Bar Road, at a wicket gate.
5. Cross the road diagonally to the right and walk along the driveway, signed to ‘Longshaw House.’ Just before reaching the National Trust Visitor Centre, take the path off to the right, down a short flight of steps, which leads you straight on in front of Longshaw House.
6. Pass through two facing wicket gates and follow a track for about three-quarters of a mile to go through a stile by a gate, and in a further 300 yards, take the path on the right, for which you will have to keep a very careful lookout.
7. Cross a low wall stile and walk down a long marshy field partly on a paved track and partly following the tracks of other walkers. Close to the bottom of the field, bear slightly to the left to cross a small stream.
8. Keep Oak’s Wood on your right and walk up a short, steep hill, turning right at the top and then almost immediately right again, into the wood.
9. Follow the clear track through the wood, without deviating, soon arriving at a lane that runs alongside several houses. Walk down the lane for a short distance before turning right and then right again to reach the B6521 Grindleford to Owler Bar Road.
10. Cross the road and, in about 30 yards, go down a path on the left that runs almost parallel to the road at first, before reaching Station Approach, where you started the walk.
GRINDLEFORD
