Hayfield

November 19th 2025 

ROYAL CAR PARK HAYFIELD,  SNAKE PATH, TWENTY TREES, SHOOTING LODGE,  MOOR, WILLIAMS CLOUGH, KINDER RESERVOIR, BROAD CLOUGH, KINDER LODGE.  

Distance: 8.53 miles as recorded by the OS Maps App 

Ascent/descent: 1693 ft/1757ft 

Difficulty: Arduous, Arctic, occasionally dangerous. 

Weather: Initially drizzle some sleet, cold wind, sunshine towards the afternoon 

Walkers ; Andy Blease, Steve Brierley, Mike Cassini,  Chris Owen, Julian Ross, Russell Spencer, Simon Williams, Cliff Worthington,  

Alternative Walkers: Jock Rooney and Millie, Colin Davison, 

Leader: Clifford T Worthington. Diarist: Cassini 

Starting point: Royal Hotel Hayfield 

Starting time: 9.45am. Finishing time: 1.35.pm

The plan from last week was to meet in the Royal Hotel car park Hayfield and collectively decide on a route. Fortunately, again Cliff took up the mantle and suggested the walk from last Christmas and all kitted up in our winter gear for the first time off we trudged up to the snow.  

Although the route was  well established it was inevitable that after the snowline passed the Hunting lodge we would go off piste.

Fortunately as ever there was enough guidance although occasionally conflicting to get us on our way.

Once we reached the top of Leygatehead Moor a narrow vote (7-1) to continue up to Ashop Head or down Williams Clough lead us down the latter which proved initially to be a well flagged stone path covered with ice and melting snow, and then a stream overrun with melting snow and cascading water According to the map, we crossed a number of fords on the way down, eventually traversing a quite substantial stream when we then hit a firm safe path after passing Kinder Reservoir and onto the Kinder Lodge for a brave few alcoholics. 

Next week Russell will be leading a walk from the bridge near the Paper Mill pub in Chinley SK23 6EJ 9:40 start.

Happy Wandering!