Win Hill via Parkin Clough

A Short But Sharp Peak District Classic

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Win Hill via Parkin Clough is the go-to route if you’re after a quick, intense ascent—and want to bag one of the Hope Valley’s most rewarding viewpoints in under 2 hrs. Steep, scenic, and efficient, it’s perfect for hike days when time’s tight but vibes are high.

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Walk Snapshot

• Location: Peak District (near Bamford / Yorkshire Bridge)
  
  
• Distance: ~4.5 km round trip (~2.8 mi)
  
  
• Time: 1.5–2.5 hrs
  
  
• Ascent: ~300 m over 1.2 km—steep and steady
  
  
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard (steep climb, not technical)
  
  
• Trail Type: Out-and-back
  
  
• Start/Finish: Yorkshire Bridge car park or Heatherdene parking area
  
  
• Dog Friendly: Yes—though bring care on wet, slippery sections
  
  
• Highlights: Wooded gully ascent, open moorland rise, summit trig with sweeping views, pub nearby
  
  

Route Description

1. Yorkshire Bridge to Parkin Clough Entrance

Start from the Yorkshire Bridge parking (or Heatherdene). Cross the Ladybower Dam wall and head into the wooded Parkin Clough gully. The path is steep, root-strewn, and narrow—slow and steady wins the early climb.

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2. Through the Wood to Moorland

After a sharp uphill through trees (expect 70% of the height gain in the first km), the track levels. You’ll emerge above the clough onto open moor—with the iconic “Pimple” of Win Hill becoming visible ahead.

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3. Summit Ascent

Follow the grassy moorland path up to Win Hill Pike (462 m trig), capped with rocky outcrops. Summit reward: 360° views of Ladybower Reservoir, Derwent Edge, Kinder, Bamford Edge, and Hope Valley.

4. Return Down/Loop Option

Descend the same route through Parkin Clough, or loop via the ridge down to Hope Cross and follow Riverside back to Dam—adds variety if you’re not rushing.

Highlights

• Summit Wow: Massive panoramic vista after a tough but short climb
  
  
• Diverse Terrain: Wooded ravine to open ridge—keeps the walk interesting
  
  
• Wildlife & Nature: Keep an eye out for grouse, mountain birds, and moorland flora
  
  
• Photo Moments: Capture the dam valley from above, summit ruggedness, and moorland freedom
  
  

Facilities & Nearby Stops

• Parking: Yorkshire Bridge (free limited); Heatherdene (£)
  
  
• Toilets: In Bamford or Hope (~3 mi away)
  
  
• Refreshments: Yorkshire Bridge or Ladybower Inns—ideal for a post-hike pint
  
  
• Extras: Combine with nearby climbs (Bamford Edge) or a boat/steam train trip around the reservoir
  
  

Tips for the Route

• Footwear: Grippy boots essential—Parkin Clough gets muddy/slippy
  
  
• Pace: Breaks mid-way make views more rewarding
  
  
• Weather: Moorland ridge is exposed—bring windproof
  
  
• Variant: New-to-steep? Try the gentler Hope or Aston routes instead
  
  

Final Thoughts

Win Hill via Parkin Clough is pure, efficient Peak District climbing—quickly rewarding with an epic summit panorama. No faff, no fuss, all payoff. Ideal for lunch-break hill days, training bursts, or when you want proper view return for modest time investment.

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Photo by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash