White Peak Walks Vol 1 Northern Dales
White Peak Walks Vol 1 Northern Dales
Price
£9.99
Walk 4: Abney, Shatton Lane and Offerton from Leadmill
Distance: 7 ¼ miles
There is no finer way to enjoy an expansive viewpoint than following an unsuspecting approach. Whilst the principal satisfaction to this walk may be the prospect from Shatton Lane, the attractive surrounds of Abney and Offerton give ample reward for undertaking this expedition. Indeed the walk up the Highlow Brook valley into Abney Clough is delightfully counterbalanced by the terrace path to Offerton and the riverbank path downstream with the Derwent from the stepping stones.
Commence from the vicinity of the Plough Inn (either seek permission from the publican to use his spacious car park or use the adjacent lay-by). Walk south beside the B6001 taking the first turning right ascending beyond Hazelford Hall. At the sharp bend follow the farm lane diverging at the field gate above Tor Farm. Please note: the owners of Tor Farm believe the footpath across their land to be only a concessionary path, sanctioning its use by the public on the understanding that extra care is taken not to disturb livestock, to shut gates and avoid damaging the fabric of the walls (needless to say readers of this guide will exhibit exemplary conduct). Proceeed along the path through three gateways (1) slanting down to a gate into Brook Wood, descend to a bridlegate, cross the stream and ascend the rutted track rising through the bracken across the flank of Bole Hill. The track declines to Stoke Ford where there are footbridges over Bretton and Abney Brooks. At the footpath sign go left up Abney Clough (2), the track continues via a stile to a reach a gate into a short lane in Abney. Go left, turning right off the villages street (3) up Duper Lane to reach the open moor. Turn right following the track which curves down to enter Shatton Lane, promenading under Shatton Edge. (4) Passing the mast the rough lane descends to a gate at which point the lane becomes metalled. At the corner climb over the ladder stile and follow the clear path through the bracken. It meets a wall under Offerton Moor (5). Follow it faithfully round and down to a fence stile onto the by-road at Offerton. Go left downhill between Offerton House and Offerton Hall to the first gate on the right, descending through three pastures via two stiles/gates (6) to reach the river Derwent at the stepping stones. Turn right along the riverbank progressing downsteam via a string of small stiles (7) to conclude at Leadmill Bridge.
