Despite the official name of Cressbrook Dale we know the valley best as Ravensdale, gem of the Peak District. High above stands Wardlow Hay Cop, the "look-out hill", open thanks to the CROW Act and, with cowslips and early-purple orchids, a springtime delight. The woods too are beautiful with wood anemonies and bluebells. If you like flowers, this is a walk not to be missed, while to our surprise even on a bank holiday weekend with walkers out in their dozens we had our lunch on Wardlow Hay Cop in splendid isolation.
LOCATION: Seven miles east of Buxton
START: Upperdale, signed from B6465 at Monsal Head. Roadside car park
Grid ref: SK176723 Postcode: SK178SZ
DISTANCE: 5.5 miles
GRADE: Moderate
TIME: 3 hours
MAP: Explorer OL - White Peak Landranger 119
REFRESHMENTS: Pack a flask
EN ROUTE: River Wye, Monsal, Water-cum-Jolly, Hay Dale
This walk was originally published by
The Manchester Evening News