A easy route in Peak District. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Car park, Waterhouses (SK 085 501).
Terrain: Footpath, road crossing, Manifold Way, river valley path, Manifold Trail, open fell path, tumulus, descent, wall path, lane, cattle grid, steep descent, footbridge, return Manifold Way Notable features: River Hamps, Manifold Way, River Manifold, Manifold Trail, tumulus, Mere Hill (355m), Soles Hollow, Throwleymoor Farm, Farwall Lane, Lee House, unusual smallholding
A thoroughly enjoyable circular walk in the Manifold Valley, combining the easy navigation of the Manifold Way along the former railway trackbed with a fine ridge walk over Mere Hill and a return through attractive upland Staffordshire countryside. The outward leg along the River Hamps is a delight — even when the river is running underground through the limestone, as it was on the day, the valley is beautiful and the path is superb throughout. The junction of the Hamps and the Manifold at SK 104 539 is a lovely spot, and the climb over Mere Hill gives fine views across the surrounding White Peak landscape before the descent through Soles Hollow and across the fields to Farwall Lane. The steep descent from the cattle grid to Lee House demands a little care, but the footbridge crossing and the return along the Manifold Way make for an easy and enjoyable finish. The smallholding near SK 092 501 — with its goats, llamas, alpacas and distinctly furry pigs — is a genuine highlight of the return leg and not to be missed. A brilliant, easy-to-navigate walk in a wonderfully varied landscape.