Surprise View - Mother Cap - Over Owler Tor - Higger Tor - Carl Wark - Longshaw Lodge - Longshaw Estate - Nether Padley - Grindleford Station - Padley Chapel - Padley Gorge - Hollow Gate - Owler Tor - Surprise View

A early start to make the most of a lovely sunny day. Starting from Surprise View Car Park on the A6187 out of Hathersage the walk ascends up on to Hathersage Moor. The first natural feature is Mother Cap. Then its on to Over Owler Tor with great views over to Higger Tor. Just below the top is on of the many Millstones that lay about this part of Derbyshire. The path to Higger Tor is an obvious one but was a little wet under foot. The ascent of Higger Tor can be made in several places (an easy scramble up the rocks. Again there are great views in every direction. The walk then continues to Carl Wark where another easy scramble is required. Carl Wark is an ancient fort (a worn plaque can be found near the top describing this). After descending Carl Wark one walks on to the Longshaw Estate and then through its parkland and on to Grindleford and Padley. Totley Tunnel can been seen here as well as Padley Chapel. The walk up through Padley Gorge is a lovely one (keep to the right side of the gorge/brook to avoid the crowds and enjoy better scenery). Finally after emerging from Padley Gorge one walks through Hollow Gate to Owler Tor. If after arriving back at the Car Park you have a little time left then walk on to Surprise View for some fantastic views up north to Edale and Kinder Scout.

Reference Books Used