Ringinglow, Burbage Moor and Rud Hill
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 9.76 miles
Escape the everyday with this invigorating circular walk starting and ending in the picturesque village of Ringinglow, on the edge of Sheffield and the Peak District National Park. This route offers a fantastic blend of moorland scenery, fascinating geological formations, historical intrigue, and the rewarding ascent to one of the Peak District's beloved 'Ethels', Stanage Pole.
Your adventure begins at the Porter Brook Trail - Fulwood Lane Car Park in the charming village of Ringinglow (Postcode: S10 4QN). Before or after your walk, be sure to visit The Norfolk Arms, a traditional former coaching inn boasting stunning valley views and a warm welcome with delicious food and drink – the perfect spot to refuel.
From the car park, carefully cross the road and immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you head across Clough Hollow. The path gently descends, leading you towards the intriguing Ox Stones, weathered gritstone boulders, and the historical Houndkirk Quarry, a testament to the area's industrial past. Traverse the open moorland along the ancient Houndkirk Road, offering expansive views across the landscape. This section connects the lower ground with the higher moorland.
Join the well-marked Sheffield Country Walk, which guides you uphill past the dramatic and iconic Burbage Rocks. These impressive gritstone edges are popular with climbers and offer breathtaking panoramic vistas. Continue along the Sheffield Country Walk, crossing the unique White Path Moss, a fascinating habitat. Keep an eye out for Robin Hood's Cave, a natural rock shelter steeped in local folklore and offering a brief point of interest.
At the fork in the path, take the right-hand trail, your destination now clearly marked towards the prominent Stanage Pole. This iconic landmark is one of the celebrated 'Ethels' – significant hills in the Peak District that walkers aim to summit. Enjoy the sense of achievement as you reach the pole and soak in the far-reaching views. From Stanage Pole, the path continues towards the tranquil waters of Redmires Reservoir. Take a moment to appreciate the serene surroundings and the engineering of this important local water source.
Head back onto the moor, this time passing the distinctive White Stones. Your route then directs you towards Rudd Hill, offering further elevated perspectives of the surrounding countryside. Begin your descent, carefully passing through the working farmyard at Brown Edge Farm. Please be respectful of the livestock and ensure you leave all gates as you find them. The final section of your walk retraces your steps through Clough Hollow, bringing you back to the starting point at the Porter Brook Trail - Fulwood Lane Car Park in Ringinglow.
Why Choose This Walk? Enjoy diverse landscapes, from woodland hollows to dramatic moorland edges and reservoir views. Tick off Stanage Pole, a rewarding summit with panoramic views. Discover remnants of quarrying history and local folklore. Benefit from an easily accessible location from Sheffield with ample parking. The Norfolk Arms provides a perfect post-walk treat. Experience a generally well-marked path suitable for moderately fit walkers.
Further Information
Ringinglow is a small village situated in Derbyshire, located on the edge of the Peak District National Park. It is known for its attractive scenery and its variety of wildlife, and is also home to a variety of businesses and attractions, such as an inn, a pub, a local shop and a café. The area is also of historical significance, having been used as a strategic stronghold by King Edward I in the 13th century during the wars of Scottish independence.
Nearby is Burbage Moor, an area of moorland and heathland covering an area of 2,400 hectares and home to a variety of wildlife. It is a popular spot for walkers and climbers, and also features a variety of archaeological features, such as burial mounds, cairns and stone circles. The area is also known for its dark skies and is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, making it a popular spot for stargazing.
Also nearby is Rud Hill, a hill standing at a height of 486m and home to a variety of wildlife. It is also a popular spot for rock climbers, offering a variety of routes of varying difficulty, and is also home to a variety of rare plants, and is a haven for wild.
What will I see on this walk?
