Win Hill

Win Hill is a striking peak overlooking Ladybower Reservoir, sitting opposite its legendary counterpart, Lose Hill. At 463 metres, it offers one of the best panoramic views in the Peak District, with vistas stretching across the Derwent and Hope Valley. The climb is steeper and more challenging than nearby hills, but reaching the uniquely pointed rocky summit—known as Win Hill Pike—is well worth the effort. Local folklore links its name to an ancient battle, where forces on Win Hill triumphed over those on Lose Hill, giving rise to the peaks’ memorable titles. Today, Win Hill is a favourite for hikers who want a rewarding ascent, peaceful moorland scenery, and sweeping views over water, hills, and valleys all in one walk.

Start the walk at Heatherdene car park on the southeast side of Ladybower reservoir. Head down to the entrance onto the A6013 where you’re instantly rewarded with the stunning Ladybower reservoir bridge, its most iconic landmark.

Cross the road and follow the road to the left until you reach open black gates on your right side going into Ladybower dam.

Once you’ve crossed the dam, turn right (north) along the footpath going past the reservoir plughole, which produces a water cascade when the water depth is high.

Follow the path for 5 minutes until you get to the first green sign pointing to Win Hill on your left. Head up the path into the woodlands.

All you need to do now is stick the main path going straight (west). It will split off to the left/right on 3 occasions. Ignore and continue through the trees for around 20 minutes until you reach a metal gate going into moorlands.

You’re now just north of Win Hill and its surrounding moorlands but unfortunately the gate is chained up so can’t be opened. Technically, you could climb over it and go straight on to the stone wall at the end of the field since the main purpose of the gate is to prevent sheep from escaping rather than stopping walkers. This is better to avoid the boggy area on the alternative route.

For this walk, we’re going to show you the alternative path around the right of the gate going into the woodlands.

Again it’s just a straight path (west) following the fence on your left side for about 20 minutes until the path opens up from the woodlands area where there’s a stile in the fence to your left to access the same field that the previous gate would take you into.

Go over the stile (be careful as it’s a bit wobbly), then head straight on up the moorlands on the incline dirt path following the stone wall. At this point you can see Win Hill ahead to the left in the distance. The dirt path soon comes out to a connecting path to the left in the above image.

All you need to do is follow that path (south) which will bend around to the right and narrow as you walk further through the heather. Before long, you’ll end up at the main footpath that goes up to the summit.

When you’ve reach the main path, there are stunning views ahead of Hope Valley, including Castleton village. Turn left (east) and take a short walk to Win Hill summit. Once you reach the top, take a photo at the Win Hill trig point, take a break, and soak up panoramic views in every direction.

Win Hill offers one of the best hilltop views in the Peak District. You can see both the west and north part of Ladybower reservoir, Bamford Edge, and the hills to Derwent Edge or Alport Castles. On the other side, the lush green Hope Valley countryside surrounds villages you can see such as Bradwell, Hope and Castleton. Plus, iconic peaks such as Mam Tor and rival hill, Lose Hill (which ultimately had the last laugh because it’s a more popular hike). The moorlands around you have special patterns like canvas art that you can only discover from this spot.

When you’re ready to leave, continue in the same direction (east) following the summit where a path to your right appears to go down. Check out the magnificent gritstone that is Bamford Edge in the distance (above image) and even Stanage Edge if you look even further behind it to the left.

Head down the dirt path on a decline until you get back into a woodlands area where there are some broken trees you’ll walk through and a gate ahead slightly to the right. Go through the metal gate and stick to the right path as it splits.

Shortly, you’ll get to another intersection that splits 3 ways. Go straight on down the rocky steps. This path is steep but not so much sloped so you still have grip going down. However, if you’re not comfortable with some moderately difficult steps, you should be able to take the path to the right and then come back around to the left but it’s longer.

Once reaching the bottom, you come out onto a path with a signpost. Continue straight on down the stairs that go to the bottom of Ladybower dam. A tranquil stream awaits you.

Now turn right and follow the short path and go through the gate. This takes you out to Yorkshire Bridge on your left. Go over the bridge and follow the road up to the top linking onto Ashopton road.

Go left and walk along the main road for a few minutes until you get to Yorkshire Bridge Inn. Note: You can get the bus to this location (‘Yorkshire bridge’ bus stop) from Sheffield and near Bamford Station to start the walk here without a car. You can also park on the roadside near this area instead of Heatherdene if spaces are available.

Grab a drink or bite to eat before a short walk back to the car park. All you need to do is continue in the same direction down the road, past Ladybower dam and turn right across the road at the Heatherdene car park sign.