Ethel Bagging 2027

Distance: 10 miles (16km) 

Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m) 

Descent: 2,150 feet (660m) 

Our journey begins at The Cat and Fiddle (formerly the second highest pub in Britain, now a distillery) where our first ‘Ethel’ ascent is up to Shining Tor – a county top and the highest point in Cheshire. The ridge then continues to Cat’s Tor and round to Foxlow Edge before descending into the picturesque Goyt Valley to cross between the reservoirs. A long climb follows, passing Whitehall Outdoor Pursuits Centre to reach Combs Head finishing with a high-level traverse to the distinctive cross-topped Corbar hill and a wooded descent into Buxton. We should enjoy stunning views throughout if good visibility allows. 

Distance: 12 miles (19.5 km) 

Ascent: 2,350 feet (720m) 

Descent: 2,300 feet (700m) 

Starting at Hulme End Visitor Centre, terminus of the short-lived Leek and Manifold Light Railway, we strike out over rough terrain on the Staffordshire Moorlands to The Revidge (and its’ Dragon cairn). There’s a long descent into and ascent out of The Manifold Valley to the summit of Ecton Hill with its’ rich history of copper mining. We traverse, with extensive views, to the twin peaked Wetton Hill before crossing the River Dove to ascend Wolfscote Hill above its’ scenic dale. High paths then take us to our finish in the picturesque village of Hartington. 

The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.

Distance: 11 miles (18 km) 

Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m) 

Descent: 1,650 feet (500m)  

Today we'll set out from Grindleford village and head to Padley Manor to hear a gruesome tale of martyrdom! Then, we’ll ascend through the stunning Padley Gorge. On entering the Longshaw Estate, we uncover its’ significant Ethel and HF history. We’ll then ascend the moorland to the iron age hillfort of Carl Wark before reaching Higger Tor above the Burbage Valley.  A short steep climb takes us onto Stanage Edge and our second Ethel, White Path Moss. The iconic Stanage Edge stretches out before us, and we pass Robin Hood’s Cave before striking out to reach Stanage Pole – a county top of Southern Yorkshire. The edge continues to our highest point at High Neb before descending to Hathersage famed for its connections to the Bronté sisters. 

Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km) 

Ascent: 2,450 feet (760m) 

Descent: 2,650 feet (820m) 

From Hollinsclough village we ascend Hollins Hill giving us a terrific 360º panorama of our route and beyond. High Edge is bagged before the rocky ascent of the Dragon’s Back – Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. A climb to the Village of Earl Sterndale is followed by the ascent of the dome of High Wheeldon. A high path with superb views then takes us along the Eastern skyline of the Upper Dove to bag Pilsbury Hill and Carder Low before descending into Hartington.

Distance: 11 miles (18km) 

Ascent: 2,350 feet (720m) 

Descent: 2,100 feet (640m) 

Our final day starts in Castleton village. We’ll ascend to Hollins’ Cross on the Great Ridge and move on to Mam Tor (Iron Age hill fort). Our entire route can then be seen across the spectacular Vale of Edale. We’ll head West to Rushup Edge and its top of Lord’s Seat. The skyline curves North to Brown Knoll before dropping to the col between Edale Cross and Jacob’s Ladder.  

Picking up the Pennine Way we ascend onto the Kinder plateau to reach the highest point of the week at Kinder Low, a county Top of Derbyshire. Returning to the Southern Edge of the plateau, we head east passing several of the classic gritstone outcrops such as The Woolpacks and Crowden Tower. Our final ‘’Ethel’ at 600+ metres is Grindslow Knoll followed by a long, glorious descent into the Vale and village of Edale where we can celebrate the end of our journey with well-deserved refreshments at The Nag’s Head. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.