For those of us living to the North East of the glorious Peak District, Win Hill is a relatively accessible Peak. Anyone wanting a reasonably quick uphill ramble from the surrounding valleys will soon find themselves rewarded by far-reaching views.
On this sunny Sunday afternoon in December, two of my adult sons and I drove to Yorkshire Bridge where we found a parking spot just off the A6013 north of Bamford. From there we planned to tackle Win Hill via Parkin Clough, a steep uphill climb of about 300 metres through a wooded ravine. However, after running ahead to do a rekkie, my sons decided it was too slippery for me to risk so we took the slightly more gentle route following the meandering footpath that leads from the Ladybower Reservoir. The final 50 metres or so follow a steep set of stone steps. There are far-reaching views at various points of the walk, once you are above the forest of tall conifers and the views from the summit, reached by a steep set of stone steps, are spectacular. We did not linger for long, however, as it was quite breezy.
There are several routes by which one can return: as light was fading we decided to walk West, North-West towards Wooler Knoll where we descended through the woods until we reached a path above the banks of Ladybower which we followed eastwards towards the car, enjoying the many small but fast flowing waterfalls tumbling down the hillside.
I normally visit during the week when it is virtually deserted. It was lovely to see so many people – walkers, cyclists, families – out enjoying the beauty of the countryside and the fresh air on this sunny Sunday afternoon.
