Laddow Rocks + Black Hill via Pennine Way From Crowden | 9-Mile Route

Laddow Rocks walk to Black Hill from Crowden is a great quieter route in the Peak District.

The start point at Crowden is located away from busy villages and towns so it can be less popular. Although there is a lovely campsite, I’ve stayed on my Pennine Way hike so you can find some signs of life. Please note this means there’s also less phone signal here.

The route takes you on a lovely walk, beginning with the hike up to Laddow Rocks which is the start of day 2 of the Pennine Way. The views of the Peak District as you ascend to Laddow Rocks are beautiful, but even more so once you’ve reached the top and can catch your breath.

You can do the day 1 route of the Pennine Way from Edale to Crowden here.

Then along the edge until Black Hill (Holme Moss trig point). From here you then loop back down past the old quarry and into Crowden. On a warm summer’s day, the route is fantastic and you’ll have no issues; however, on a rainy day there are a few small sections where you can expect wet feet, but that’s part of the fun when you go hiking, isn’t it?

If you’re hiking this route in the winter months then expect some boggy sections. Also, we recommend that you take a map and compass, in addition to following our route instructions as the second part of the part the way can be difficult to spot.

Here you will find details on how to get to the start of the walk at Crowden, route information, a gpx file, facilities on the walk, plus a detailed step-by-step guide of the walk.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve done this route and what you think!

Laddow Rocks + Black Hill from Crowden

gpx file

Laddow Rocks + Black Hill walk map

Walk start point

Start grid reference: SK 07200 99231

Car parking address: Crowden car park, Woodhead Road, Glossop, SK13 1HZ

This is a free car park it is pretty small and it can be popular at the weekend, there’s some parking on the side road outside if the car park is full. Check up-to-date parking information and costs here.

Public transport

There is no train station near to the start of this walk. However, there is a First Group bus service that goes along the road so could drop you off at the start. The services are fairly minimal, so you’d need to research beforehand.

Facilities on the walk

There is a small public toilet block available at the start of the walk at Crowden (open 8 am to 8 pm).

At Crowden campsite (limited opening times), they have a small shop and toilets, with basic snacks and drinks. There is nothing else on the route.

During the first section of the walk, there are plenty of opportunities to collect water from the streams to drink. I use a filter water bottle or you can use purification tablets, but once you reach the flagstones up to Black Hill there aren’t any other spots.

Other useful information

The Laddow Rocks section is along a narrow path along the edge, if you struggle with vertigo this might be an issue for you (as it was my friend). As previously mentioned there are sections of the walk that can be slightly flooded and boggy, depending on the weather conditions.

We recommend a map and compass for this walk – navigation skills are required during part 2 of the walk.

The second half of the walk from Black Hill trig is challenging in terms of navigation, you will need either a map and compass or GPS in poor weather. Even in good weather, the route can be difficult to spot due to the boggy terrain. You’ll need to weave in and out of the best ground so in places there is NO visible path on the ground.

In the valley, particularly around the car park, phone signal can be limited/poor. Ensure you’ve clearly shared instructions/time with anyone you’re meeting for this walk.

Would you know what to do in an emergency situation?

We have a guide with what to do, who you need to call and also some useful kit that should be in your backpack. Ask us any questions in the comments or via our social media.

Happy hiking + stay safe

read here

Peak District weather

Check the weather for your walk location and hills. The moorlands are very remote and there is no protection from incoming weather.

• BBC Weather for Crowden
• Met Office weather for the Peak District
• Met Office weather for Black Hill

Ordnance Survey Walk Map

The map for this walk is OL1 – Peak District (Dark Peak Area)

Check prices here with Ordnance Survey, there are options to buy either a standard map or a waterproof one. You can sometimes find cheaper deals on Amazon, but the Ordnance Survey website sometimes has discounts for buying more than one map!

And don’t forget your compass I recommend the Silva Expedition compass

For online maps, you can get them via the OS Online App

Check prices here for the one month or yearly option with OS Online App. 

Want to read later? Save the walk to Pinterest

Laddow Rocks + Black Hill walk route

Stage 1 – Crowden to Laddow Rocks

Distance: 2.3 miles/3.7 km

Grid reference SK 07200 99231

From the car park head up on the path past the toilets, alongside Crowden campsite, then turn left along the road. Follow for a short distance, through two gates until you reach a public footpath on your right, signposted Pennine Way.

You’re now on the official Pennine Way trail and will remain on it to Black Hill.

For now, continue following the path upwards, this is the toughest part of the hike since you ascend quickly over a short section. You’ll cross quite a few streams, handy if it’s a hot day to cool off!

Then as you reach the highest point of the hike, there’s a path heading off to the left (ignore this as it will take you over the Dovestone Reservoir – another fab walk) and Laddow Rocks are located as you reach the top of the edge.

Be sure to stop for the views here and remember to look behind you as well as they are equally beautiful in both directions!

Stage 2 – Laddow Rocks to Black Hill

Distance: 2.6 mile/4.2 km

Grid reference SE 05700 01543

From Laddow Rocks, continue along the edge on the rocky path, on windy days, this can feel scary as it’s a narrow path but take your time and watch your footing!

You’ll then ascend a small amount until you reach Crowden Great Brook.

Now depending on when you do the hike will depend on how challenging this section is. On a beautiful sunny day, you simply hop across the stones over the brook, several times, back and forth.

However, if there’s been heavy rain then it’s likely you’ll get pretty wet feet. You can either attempt to use the stones to make mini stepping stones or just go for it and walk through the water!

Once you’ve negotiated the water crossings eventually, you’ll go through a gate that leads you to a mostly flagstoned path, winding gradually uphill.

This section can seem bleak, you can see nothing for miles, but it’s also very peaceful (unless it’s a windy day). You follow the path all the way to the trig point that marks Black Hill (known as the Holme Moss trig point).

Stage 3 – Black Hill to Crowden

Distance: 3.9 miles/6.3 km

Grid reference SE 07804 04671

At Black Hill, there are a few paths leading off from the trig point, I’m afraid the flagstoned path that continues is where you now leave the Pennine Way and head across the moorlands. It’s likely that you won’t be able to see a visible path on the ground due to the boggy conditions.

Turn right heading across Tooleyshaw Moss, the first section is particularly boggy, you’ll need to weave around to find the drier route through. After a few hundred metres the boggy section reduces and a route appears and you follow it down. (Please note the path appears and disappears due to the ground conditions – we recommend you use a map and compass for this section).

Update March 2024 – NEW photos added to this post from a snowy day hike! (Thanks Tom for your feedback on this route) 

Step 1 – Compass bearing 150 degrees for 1.4 km.

Within the first 400-500 metres of heading on this bearing, you’ll walk past a small tarn (on your right).

Step 2 – Compass bearing 180 degrees for 1.5 km.

Step 3 – Compass bearing 240 degrees for 500 m.

From here the path down becomes more clear, you’ll follow it down until you reach the quarry.

However, if it’s poor weather, then here’s your final bearing – 200 degrees for 2 km.

(See notes below for adding a second trig point to this walk).

Once you reach the old quarry, over a stile down a final steep section with another stile then either a final gate (or stile if the gate is locked) to a track.

Turn left and walk towards Crowden campsite, then take the path back to the car park

Do you have any more questions about this walk from Crowden, maybe what to wear on your hike or any other questions? Ask me in the comments below.

Options for this walk – Add trig point no. 2

If you’ve started bagging the Peak District trig points (or maybe you want to start now), then you can add a second trig point to this walk by continuing on the higher route across the moor.

As you reach the small body of water on Westend Moss (SE 08165 01931) keep on the upper path (compass bearing 198 degrees) and after 1.5 km you’ll reach the Hey Edge trig point, marked as Pillar on the map.

From here you then descend towards the quarry and pick up the route through the quarry then down the final steep section to the road (end of stage 3). See the online map of this amended route here.

Here’s the full list of all 88 trigs

More walks in the Peak District

Another short route near Crowden is the Middle Black Clough waterfall walk, it’s only a 2-mile out and back but it would be great to tag on to the end of this route (if you still have enough energy left!)

Love the walks in the Peak District? You might like these Peak District circular walks.

• Kinder Scout Walk (via Fairbrook) From Snake Pass | 8-Mile Route
• Edale Skyline Walk From Hope | 20-Mile Route
• Alport Castles Walk From Ladybower Reservoir (Fairholmes) | 10-Mile Route

Or check out all our Peak District walking routes here

View walks directory here

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