Grid ref:
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 7.5 km
From the layby turn left and follow the road the 200m down to Cutthroat Bridge and cross the busy road to take the footpath onto the moors, turning right almost immediately along the wide track.
The path slowly curves to the left before coming to a crossroads, with a ford over the stream to the right. Turn left here to head straight across Derwent Moors in a steady climb, crossing Highshaw Clough and passing two distinct sets of grouse butts on your left.
As you approach Derwent Edge keep straight on for around 50m for the best viewpoint, retracing your steps to re-join the route where a right turn leads to a cairn with another fine view over Bamford Valley and Ladybower Reservoir.
The path now starts to descend the flank of Ladybower Tor, getting increasingly steep before contouring the west side of the hill with woods on the right. A gate ahead gives access to the woods and the path continues its long arc to the left, leaving the woods behind for a short section of open moorland. Skirt the southern edge of a small piece of woodland behind the Ladybower Inn and you soon pass another small piece of woods surrounding an old quarry – this time on your right.
From here the path runs almost parallel to the road as it leads back across the side of the hill to Cutthroat Bridge and the short walk back to your start point.