Peak District Boundary Walk updates

Route Guidance

– Footbridge washed away! Stage 11 Millthorpe to Beeley. As of January 2024 this section of the walk is not passable at point 6 (page 87 of the new 2021 Guidebook) due to the washing away of a footbridge over Heathy Lea Brook, opposite the Robin Hood Inn on the A619. We will aim to monitor this situation and give an update as to when the path may be reopened. At present there is no nearby alternative, apart from lots of road walking out of Millthorpe towards Beeley (not advisable as these roads are not well pavemented.) Alternatively you could walk the Derwent Valley Heritage Way south from Baslow, through the Chatsworth Estate to Beeley.

– Stage 5 Greenfield to Marsden, point 8 – there is a temporary (October/November 2023) diversion necessary here, as repair work is being carried out to the steep descent just after point 8, before Wessenden Reservoir; the path was barriered off (28/10/23) so we took an alternative horseshoe-shaped path south-eastwards (becoming clearly well-walked and easy to follow) via a lovely waterfall with stepping stones, then joined the main route again at the corner of the Reservoir. **Please note** at times it has been reported that the stepping stones in front of the waterfall here have been submerged as the stream can be full and flowing fast – in this instance, for your own safety, please retrace your steps. 

– We have been informed (October 2023) that the end of Stage 19 and beginning of Stage 20 are still affected by works at Toddbrook Reservoir – recent walkers have let us know that “the section telling you to cross a footbridge, turn along the bridle path and through the park is impossible. It’s an easy diversion, you turn left along Reservoir Road to Whaley Bridge station being careful to avoid all the heavy goods vehicles delivering to the dam site.” This is similarly affecting the beginning of Stage 20 (grid ref: SK 00883 80938 to SK 00740 80850) Apparently work may be ongoing until 2025! (NB this has already been mentioned for the end of Stage 19 in the 2021 Guidebook…)

– There are on-off tree-felling works taking place for the rest of winter 2023-4, in the woodlands of Wyming Brook and Fox Holes plantation, just south of the Rivelin Dams (Stage 9) Keep an eye out for footpath closures and diversion notices. There is a good, clear alternative path that can be taken to reach Redmires reservoirs, and this will be shown on signage near to any closure/diversion notices. Take your own OS map (or your preferred navigation app) just in case! More information on this ongoing tree-management situation can be found on the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust website.

– We have been notified throughout 2023 that the mud on the approach to Lower Greasley Farm (Stage 17) is “truly appalling” – this is seasonally worse, so go prepared (gaiters advised!) An alternative route to avoid this mud, is to continue on the footpath northwards at Nettlebeds Farm (instead of turning left as described in point 7 of the directions text) This takes you to Wood Cottage, where you can follow the track northwards to pick up the route again. This avoids Lower Greasley Farm and that mud!