Easy
1 hour
2.7 miles
River Trail
Dog-friendly
Hathersage Stepping Stones offers a tranquil escape along the banks of the River Derwent. Just a short walk from the historic village in the Peak District, this natural crossing point is popular locally but still under the radar among many visitors.
Highlights
Why go on this trail?
Surrounded by rolling hills, lush meadows, and stunning countryside, the stepping stones walk is diverse with much to be admired. Many of the walks around Hathersage are quite long while this is much more accessible from the village for a nice local stroll. The mostly flat surface and short distance makes it a breeze and the river is refreshing to paddle in during hot weather.
Preparation
Gear: Outdoor gear isn’t required in most conditions but opt for shoes with grip as the stepping stones are often wet. Waterproof shoes are recommended after extended rain.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs can roam freely once you get to public footpaths following the river. However, there is sheep in the surrounding fields so it’s important to keep dogs who may disturb them or wonder off on a lead. Keep all dogs on a lead walking along the roads.
Local rules: National Park Authority states that visitors should leave no trace for litter or dog waste, avoid camping, fireworks, and fires.
Terrain
Elevation: Mostly flat
Terrain: Dirt paths, pavements, dry/wet stones.
Local Amenities
Supplies (in Hathersage):
- Texaco station Spar
- OneStop
- Go Outdoors
- Outside
- Alpkit
Toilets:
- Hathersage visitor centre (back)
Places to eat:
- Coleman’s Deli
- Bank house restaurant and bar
- Maazi’s Indian restaurant
- Open House
- Cintra’s Tea room
- Vintners restaurant and wine bar
- Hathersage bakery
Pubs:
- The George hotel
- Little John hotel
Getting there
Hathersage stepping stones is situated just west of Hathersage along the River Derwent towards Bamford in the Hope Valley region of the peak District National park in Derbyshire. You can spot about 10 miles southwest of Sheffield on a map.
By train: Get the Manchester Piccadilly/Sheffield Northern train to Hathersage station. The station links onto the route, Station Road, at step 2.
By Bus: The best bus routes are the 272/271 Sheffield to Castleton First buses every hour. You can also get the 173 bus from Bakewell Square if you want to access Hathersage from a non-connected village in the Peak District. Stagecoach also run an open top BLUE tour bus during summer that passes through Hathersage going around the peak park from Sheffield.
By car: Use your GPS or Google Maps to get to Texaco/Ascona Hathersage Service Station, Main Rd, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1BB. Park along Main Road or use Pay & Display car park around the back of the station.
Step 1 - The George, Hathersage
Head to The George hotel, an ideal place to start and finish your circular Hathersage walk. It’s central in the village, next to key bus stops, and situated on Main Road for you to park along. If there are no spaces, Outside’s car park behind the Texaco petrol station is a stone throw away.
Turn left to Station Road in the picture above signposted to Grindleford and Bakewell.
Step 2 - Station Road to River Derwent
Follow Station Road straight past Little John hotel, residential houses, David Mellor cutlery museum, and finally a railway bridge underpass before leaving Hathersage village into Highlow.
Shortly after, you’ll walk over the River Derwent. Look left to spot the magnificent Millstone Edge that overlooks Hathersage to the east.
Once you’ve crossed the river there’s a gate leading to a public footpath on your right. Go through and follow the path into the field.
Step 3 - Follow river to stepping stones
After a few minutes you’ll get to Goose Nest Wood. This is where the walk turns into more of a woodland stroll close to the river. Once you reach a gate going over a little wooden bridge, you can go through the trees and take a dip as it’s shallow. On the left, there are some nice field and hill views of the surrounding Hope Valley area.
The path will open up and lead to a little intersection with steps going down to the river on your right. There lies Hathersage stepping stones.
You can only cross them when the river level isn’t high, although the river flow in this area is generally safe enough to cross in the water and paddle around. With that said, it’s best to go in the summer and avoid after prolonged periods of rain. If you can’t cross, the path continues for 40 minutes to Shatton where you can cross and come back the other side.
Step 4 - Stepping stones to Hathersage Main Road
Once you’ve crossed the stepping stones, follow the river back to the right towards Hathersage. When you reach a gate, shortly after you’ll want to head through the field heading towards a bigger gate on the upper left side by the main road (you’ll hear the cars).
You’ll come out onto Castleton road. Follow the road to the right for 5 minutes back into Hathersage village.
Note: In the picture above, there is a free parking bay behind the camera just one minute away. I prefer to park here as you’re more likely to find a space during peak times. You can start the walk here or do it in reverse from that public footpath. It’s also the quickest access to Hathersage stepping stones if you want to visit but skip the circular walk.
When you follow Castleton Road into the village you’ll be met by The George Hotel again. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs within a few minutes. Places to eat in Hathersage are quite expensive but usually decent quality.