Padley Gorge

About trip

Above the gorse of Charlton Kings Common there is an unexpected panorama at the top of the hill. Furthermore, as the walk progresses westwards along the edge, the view incorporates new scenery, so allow more time than usual for a walk of this length. Leckhampton Hill is the site of an Iron Age fort where a defensible area of 6 acres (2.5ha) was enclosed within a single rampart and part of the scarp edge. Directions: a From the Longshaw Estate car park, follow the woodland path to the estate lodge at the side of the B6521 Frogatt road. b Cross the road and follow the path down to Burbage Brook. c Cross the stream by a log bridge and turn left, downstream. d Go ahead at the path junction, walking down a steep hill through ancient oak woods lining Padley Gorge. Try to keep the stream in sight below and on the left, ignoring side turnings along this rocky woodland path. e Go through a kissing gate and down a rough lane past groups of houses. Turn left at the bottom and follow the lane over the railway bridge to a café. f Turn left immediately beyond the café, through a kissing gate and climb up to the road. g Turn left on to the road and, after a few yards, turn right over a low stone stile. Climb the steep woodland path, following the rocky course of the stream. h After emerging from the woods, turn left uphill beside a stream tributary, eventually joining a worn flagged path. i Climb a stone stile and turn left along the woodland drive. Follow this level track in and out of planted woodland and open grassland dotted by clumps of semi-wild rhododendrons. j Go through a narrow gate to the left of Longshaw Lodge, follow the path around the foot of the ‘ha-ha’ back to the car park. Places of Interest: 1 View of Padley Gorge. This wild forested ravine is a reminder of what our native countryside once looked like. 2 The mill, which is now a private house, relied upon Burbage Brook to power its wheels. 3 Viewpoint. Look back across the intervening woodland towards the Derwent Valley with Eyam Moor in the distance. 4 Viewpoint. The Upper Derwent stretches into the distance. Kinder Scout, Win Hill and Bleaklow form the final backcloth. 5 Viewpoint. In May or June, pink and crimson flowers of the rhododendron bushes make an attractive foreground to the view. 6 Longshaw Lodge. This Victorian hunting lodge and the surrounding estate is now owned by the National Trust. 7 The low wall is a 'ha-ha'. Normally a 'ha-ha' is topped by a formal lawn which prevents animals from entering the garden, leaving the view from the house unspoiled.