Right on the doorstep of Greater Manchester are miles upon miles of incredible countryside to explore. One of the best areas to see is the beautiful Peak District, a landscape of rolling peaks and rugged moorland.
The Peak District was in fact the first national park created in England and Wales in 1951, arguably as a result of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass of 1932. Today, the area is a popular destination with walkers, and you can still take the routes that the trespassers walked during that historic event.
One of the starting points for the trespass was the village of Hayfield, which is less than an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester. From the village you can enjoy a circular walk which takes you up to the moorland where you’ll find gorgeous views of Kinder Reservoir.
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Naturally a country walk is always made better with a trip to a cosy pub at the end of it, and there's one you can stop at when you complete the walk. A hearty meal accompanied by a refreshing pint always tastes better after a hike in the fresh air.
There’s a five mile circular route you can follow which begins at Bowden Bridge Car Park (SK22 2LJ). Starting at the car park, follow Kinder Road towards Hayfield and turn right when you spot the sign for Snake Path, on the right.
This will lead you up the hill - there’s quite a steep climb - and you will pass a kissing gate and a stile. After walking through a field you’ll reach a copse, known as the Twenty Trees. Sticking with Snake Path you’ll come up on to moorland and keep an eye out for the white shooting cabin on the left.
Follow the track which is signposted for the Snake Inn and Edale and, when the path forks, take the track on the left. This will give you amazing views of Kinder Reservoir.
Keeping the reservoir to your right, follow the path round to William Clough, where there’s a small bridge crossing the water. Stick to the path as it goes uphill, passing through two gates and crossing a stream and a second wooden bridge.
The track will lead you towards the pine tree plantations and past a walled pine plantation, before eventually descending down through a field, towards a group of trees and a stream. Then follow the route along the woodland edge as it descends back down towards Hayfield.
Only a short walk away from the car park on Kinder Road is the Sportsman Inn, a traditional country pub with a cosy atmosphere - think roaring fire on a chilly winter’s day. The pub serves a mouth-watering selection of dishes, including small plates and hearty meals such as burgers and a homemade steak, ale and mushroom pie, perfect for refuelling after your walk.
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