Easy
3 hours
7 miles
Mixed Trail
Dog-friendly
Sir William Hill Trig Point sits on Eyam Moor as a striking plateau-topped hill in the heart of the Peak District, rising to 429 metres between Eyam and Hathersage. The hill is named after an unknown Sir William, with possible connections to local historical figures such as Sir william Peveril (son of William the Conquerer) or Sir William Cavendish (Chatsworth House family). It’s also marked by a prominent radio mast and the highest pub in Derbyshire, The Barrel Inn. Eyam Moor is rich in ancient history, featuring three Bronze Age stone circles, prehistoric cairns, and the remnants of the Ladywash lead and fluorspar mine. Today, this gritstone moorland is part of the Peak District’s “Open Access” land, offering visitors the chance to explore its wild, windswept beauty and discover its ancient past.
Highlights
Why go on this trail?
This Eyam and Foolow walk through Sir William Hill Trig Point and Eyam Moor is a brilliant Spring trail because the hills turn into a beautiful yellow between April and May. It has a diverse range of scenary from quaint country lanes and villages to woodlands and moorlands. It’s quieter and less travelled than some of the most popular Peak District walks. There is so much vibrant wildlife along the route and the pubs are quality, treating you to elevated views of Hope Valley while you enjoy a refreshing drink. Plus, history buffs will have a field day exploring the rich heritage and information boards. It’s hilly enough to get the blood pumping but not too long or exhausting to feel like hard work.
Preparation
Gear: Outdoor gear isn’t required in dry conditions but it’s best to wear shoes with grip and waterproofs may be handy if going through Eyam Moor in winter and after extended rain.
Dogs: Dogs should be kept on the lead on this trail but are safe to roam freely when entering Eyam Moor. Tideswell Lane is also pretty safe once you get past the farm but be cautious as farm vehicles use this narrow lane and there is a busy road at the end so reattach the lead once you reach the image in step 8.
Terrain
Terrain: Mix of flat and sloped roads/lanes, moorland and woodland dirt paths.
Styles: Yes
Local Amenities
Supplies:
- Church Street Stores, Eyam
- Eyam Country Store
Toilets:
- Eyam Car Park public toilets
- All pubs
Places to eat:
- Eyam Tea Rooms
- Village Green Cafe, Eyam
- Affogato Coffee Shop, Eyam
- Stella’s Kitchen (requires detour)
Pubs:
- The Bull’s Head, Foolow
- The Barrel Inn, Bretton
- The Miners Arms, Eyam
Getting there
This trail begins in Foolow (or Eyam) village in the Hope Valley region of the Peak District National Park in England. The area is remote so driving by car is highly recommended but you can get the 257 a/b Andrews bus to Eyam from Bakewell, Hope Valley, or Sheffield.
By car: Use your GPS or Google Maps to get to Foolow, Hope Valley S32 5QR and park in the main street. If starting at Eyam, parking can be difficult on the roadside but there’s usually space in Hawkhill Rd car park opposite Eyam Museum, Hope Valley S32 5AD.
Sir William hill Trig Point & Eyam Moor walk route
We’ll start in the lovely little village of Foolow (shown above), which is a nice quiet getaway in the Peak District with arguably the best pub in the area to start and finish the trail. However, Eyam is more popular so you can also start there (go to Step 7) and then loop back to step 1 once you’ve reached Foolow from Eyam. Park in the main street for free.
1. Foolow to Bretton via Bradshaw Lane
Situated next to the church, follow Bradshaw Lane towards Bretton. This is a pretty quiet country lane walk on a steady incline with stunning views of Bretton hills, which turn into a sea of yellow and white over spring.
2. Sir William Hill Road
Once you reach the top within 15-20 minutes, continue straight on down Sir William Hill Road. You’ll discover The Barrel Inn along the way, treating you to pub grub with views overlooking Foolow and surrounding Peak District countryside.
Note: Just past the car park, there’s a sign to your right for a quicker path going down to Eyam village if you want a shorter Eyam and Foolow walk that skips Sir William Hill and Eyam Moor.
If you hear banging noises in the distance there may be clay pigeon shooting in one of the fields from time to time.
3. Sir William Hill Trig Point
The main road will split off into a rocky path straight on. Continue down this path, formerly a packhorse route, for 5 minutes. Most cars won’t drive through here due to heavy erosion but occassionally motocross riders travel through and kick up some dust. They’re harmless, just step aside for a second.
Note: you can also park in this area or further down where sir William Hill Road meets Edge Road if you want to go straight to Trig Point and Eyam Moor.
Soon you’ll approach the communications tower on the right. Just before, there’s a style on your left going into Eyam Moor where Sir William Hill Trig Point is located. The white stump will also treat you to some great 360 views of the surrounding moor and landscape as it’s a high elevation point.
4. Eyam Moor
Following on straight in the same direction, the path leads further into Eyam Moor. The moor is largely brown from autumn through to summer when it turns green and eventually purple in August from the heather.
At the end of the path you’ll reach a stone wall looking towards Hathersage village in the distance. Go right and follow the wall to the end until you reach a gate to exit the moor. Look out for Millstone Edge, Higger Tor and Stanage Edge miles away on your left side.
5. Edge Road to Mompesson's Well
Once you’ve exited Eyam Moor, continue staight down Edge Road towards Eyam village.
Along the way you’ll discover Mompesson’s well down some steps to your right. There’s an information board explaining the history behind the ‘well’ which was named after a reverend who quarantined in Eyam during the plague and this spot was used as a drop point to exchange food from neighbouring villages.
6. Hollow Brook Woodlands to Eyam
Continue to follow Edge Road until you reach a sign to Eyam. The road now covered with trees bends to the left and the footpath disappears so you’ll want to go through the style on your left signposted to Eyam. This takes you through the woodlands which is uniquely elevated above Hollow Brook so you can enjoy views of down below. The path will take you to the east side of Eyam at the top of Riley Back Lane.
7. Eyam village walk
Once you descend out of the woods and through the gate leading into Eyam village, simply follow Riley Back Lane to the end, turn left and then go right shortly after to reach The Causeway. There are a few food places such as cafe’s and The Miners Arms pub around here. Follow the main road down to Church Street where you’ll find Eyam Parish Church and Eyam Hall to name a few.
Note: When you reach Eyam Country Store on your right there’s a road going up to Eyam Museum if you want to make a quick detour. This is a popular spot for visitors to learn about the village’s famous plague history (£5 adult entry) and also a good spot to park in Eyam.
8. Eyam to Foolow
Keep following the Main Road past the Country Store and the next road to your left will be Tideswell Lane. Home to some beautiful properties, head up the hilly lane for a quiet country lane walk to Foolow. Along the way, enjoy distant views of the hill you came from earlier on Sir William Hill Road.
(Reattach dog lead when you get to the above image as there’s a main road ahead when you get to the trees)
When you reach the end of Tideswell Lane, you’ll come out on the road leading into Foolow. Turn right and walk into the village.
After 10 minutes you’ll be greeted by The Bulls Head Inn right ahead. Quench your thirst and grab a delicious Sunday dinner before you head back or stay the night there.
The main street in the first picture where you most likely parked is on your left.