Waterhouses

OS Map Reference: SK084 501

This is a delightful walk with splendid views in a corner of the Peak District.

The Journey:

WALK to the far end of the car park and follow the Manifold Trail to the road and turn right. Continue along the road and at the speed restriction sign turn left along the Manifold Trail. Cross over the river and then pass the Cycle Hire on left. Continue for about a mile to just before a bridge opposite Lee House where you turn left, through a kissing gate at a junction of paths. Immediately right to leave the field by a five barred gate. Then bear left to climb the steep hill. At the top, cross the stile in the fence and take a path to the left (waymarked). Cross field to a stone wall and pass through a wooden squeezer stile. Follow the waymarks, crossing a small field to climb a stone wall. Follow to next squeezer stile beneath two rows of trees and then locate the next stile in a wire fence beneath a further row of trees. Follow to another stile in a row of trees and then continue ahead to a waymark on a lone tree. The path then descends towards the valley. Cross another stile then descend steeply to the stream at the bottom and a junction of paths. Turn right, alongside the stream and fence towards Waterfall.

Where the path reaches the edge of the stream, climb some steps over a stone wall and then follow the stream to a junction of paths. Turn left, over a wooden footbridge (built by the Ramblers Association) and then continue ahead and up the hill (SW). At the top of the hill look for the boundary wall of a farm on the right along the hill top. Follow this to a squeezer stile after the farm track and gateway. Turn right, through the stile to follow the track to reach a road. Turn left then immediately right to follow to follow a signed path through another farmyard (NW). Pass house immediately after the farm on your right and walk to the Lion Inn. Exit onto a road in front of the pub and turn left to reach the village green. Cross the road to follow the signed footpath immediately opposite the village green. Continue ahead (S) and pass through a wooden gate to follow a waymarked path alongside the hedgerow on the right. On nearing the boundary hedge (with the view of the cement works), follow the waymarks to the right to reach a wooden stile leading to a rough track. Turn sharp left down the track, crossing numerous small fields (cement works ahead). On reaching the football field continue ahead and at the bottom of the field, turn right to follow the boundary hedge to the opposite bottom corner to reach a stile and gate. Pass to the right of the stone barn and follow the waymarks right onto the main road. Turn left towards Ashboune. On reaching the village centre, turn right by Ye Olde Crown Inn and walk about 100yds to turn left into the station car park.

Contributed by George Shufflebotham of Stoke and Newcastle Ramblers of Staffordshire Area Ramblers' Association and adapted from their new book, Around the Hamps Way, offering 12 walks around the River Hamps. The book can be obtained through a number of local sources or phone Peter Matthews 01782 279701 for details.

The Walk

Level: An undulating walk. Follow route anti route clockwise

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 2½ hours

Parking Old Station Car Park, Waterhouses (Pay and Display).

Refreshments A café and pubs on route.

For a map of this walk log on to www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/walks