Start/Finish: Ashopton Bridge. OS reference SK191864 Total distance: 13.7km/8.5miles Time: 1-2 hours. Maps: Ordnance Survey OL1: Dark Peak area Summary: The rocky descent to Hagg Farm is the technical highlight here; the rest of the ride is either grassy trail or woodland singletrack. Take the Fairholmes road. Turn left onto the access road signed Crook Hill Farm/ B&B. Climb steeply, bearing right through the gate beside the farm buildings to open pasture. Follow the grassy track, which is vague at times; there are signposts but you’re aiming for the gate at the top of the hill. Continue straight alongthe ridge, passing through several more gates until you come to a gate and stile at a crossroads with Lockerbrook and Rowlee Farm tracks. Bear left through the gate and descend to Hagg Farm on steep, rocky doubletrack, passing through yet more gates. Cross the A57, descend on cinder track and cross the river via the bridge before bearing left. The track climbs briefl y before bearing sharp right to continue to Hope Cross. Instead of following this, pass through the gate on left and return to the riverside track before bearing right up the steep, rough access track. Climb steeply, sticking with this path as other footpaths deviate to the left and right. Crest the rise and continue going straight to begin a gradual descent back to the riverside track. The path narrows, has steeper sections and a couple of small stream crossings, but is generally easy. At the exit to the main track beside the reservoir, turn right and continue to the dam. Cross it then bear left along the mixed-use path to return to Ashopton Bridge.by ocoutts
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