How to Complete the Win Hill Walk (10 Mile Route)
Win Hill is 462m above sea level, in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, and is northwest of Bamford. It is near Ladybower Reservoir, and the River Derwent Valley and its ridge also link to Kinder Scout. The Win Hill walking route we describe leaves from Bamford and is a circular route.
If you are interested in shorter Win Hill walks, we describe some options at the end of our post, and instead of starting in Bamford, you could begin your walk from the Yorkshire Bridge Inn.
The name Win Hill was first recorded as Whythinehill, which could mean Willow Hill. Today you can still find some pieces of willow. On the other hand, there is a legend that the name originated from a 7th-century battle, but there is no evidence of the battle ever taking place.
You will quickly understand why the Win Hill walk is one of our favourite Peak District Walks. The views from the summit of Win Hill over Ladybower Reservoir, Lose Hill, and Castleton are beautiful, incredibly if you are blessed with a clear day. However, the steep climb to the top will be worth it, and the varied landscape you will see on your way is exceptional.
Win Hill Walk Details
Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 16.3km/ 10 miles
Elevation: 562m
Route type: circular walk
Win Hill difficulty: moderate with a steep climb
Trig Point: Win Hill Pike (Pimple)
Win Hill Map
Where is Win Hill?
Win Hill is a hill north-west of Bamford located in Bamford in the Derbyshire Peak District of England. It is bordered by the River Derwent to the east and the River Noe to the west and the Ladybower Reservoir to the north.
It is also bounded by the ridge running north-west connecting it with the Kinder Scout.
Win Hill Parking
If you complete the 10-mile circular walk, you will need to park in Bamford Village. However, there are some roadside spots, and if you are a customer of the Anglers Rest Cafe and ask nicely, they sometimes let you park in their car park whilst you complete your walk. You can follow the Google Maps Directions here.
We love parking here for a few reasons. First, you can use their bathroom and have a coffee/ breakfast before you walk. Second, you can have food or a drink in the pub after the walk. Third (if you need more convincing), they are a community-owned pub, and the staff are kind, helpful and friendly.
You can also access this walk by public transport because there is a train station in Bamford, so if you do not drive, you can still access this walk!
Alternatively, if you complete one of the shorter walks, you will need to park at Heatherdene Car Park just off the A6013. There are toilets here, and the postcode is S33 0BY. You will need coins, as the machine currently does not accept cards and costs £3 per day.
Unfortunately, you cannot park overnight here. There are minimal free spots in the laybys outside the car park. However, you will have to be very lucky to get one of these!
You can find the Google Maps directions here.
The Legend of Win Hill and Lose Hill
The hill’s sister, Lose Hill is in the west side of River Noe. In the past the hill’s names have led to an imaginative story about the outcome of a fictitious 7th-century battle between Edwin from Northumbria and Cynegils from Wessex.
However, there is no historical evidence to the legend and there is no evidence that any battle was ever taking place there.
Win Hill Weather
We would recommend looking at the Met Office forecast to check the conditions. You are exposed on this walk, so it is helpful to check what the weather will be like before you prepare accordingly.
Win Hill Derbyshire Weather – Met Office
Top Tips for the Win Hill Walk
- You will need Ordnance Survey Map OL1 (Dark Peak). Alternatively, use a map on your phone, such as All Trails. However, it is always good to bring a paper copy as technology can fail!
- Take all litter home with you and keep Win Hill and the area clean and beautiful.
- The walk is dog friendly but remember to keep them on leads when appropriate, following the National Park guidelines and cleaning up after your dog.
- Wear appropriate clothing, carry your waterproof coat and take layers. It can be cold on top of Win Hill. There are some sheltered parts, but this walk is exposed to the elements.
- Suitable footwear is essential for this walk. Some places can be extremely boggy. Walking boots are preferred. We link our kit at the bottom if you’re interested in what we wear.
- It would be best if you made time to see the Ladybower Dam and the Ladybower Plug Holes. They are imposing.
- Arrive early or go on weekdays. This area can get bustling on weekends and school holidays because Ladybower is very popular, and you can start numerous walks from here.
- Although there are facilities initially, there are not many on the walk. You will also need to take snacks and plenty of water with you.
Win Hill Circular Walk Directions in 10 Steps
1. Start at the Anglers Rest Cafe, head to Bamford Road and go down the narrow track on Hollow Road. Tip: visit Bamford Mill on the way (you can cross the river here too, but it is not possible after a lot of rainfall).
2. Go past the houses and keep following the path down. Then, turn left to rejoin the main road again. Go down the track next to Riverside Garage. From here, take a right to go over the bridge and past Bamford Tennis club on your right and the park on your left.
3. Continue down the road until you get to the Yorkshire Bridge and Thornhill signpost. Continue down the path and do not turn uphill. It is a bike track, and it means it’s less boggy!! You will have Great views of Bamford Edge to your right! Keep going past the car park and over the road to go back on the path once more
4. It would be best to turn left at the green public footpath sign to hope to cross and win the hill. Go up next to the stream, it’s quite a way up, but there are stones to help you get up. Once you reach the top, go through a metal gate and take the right-hand path uphill. We think a beautiful viewpoint is worth it to the left!
5. Keep going up through some trees that have been destroyed and continue on the obvious path uphill. Don’t be fooled and think you’re near the top.
There’s one more hill before you’ve made it! But keep going, you’re not too far away! Go up the steps and make sure you take in all the views from Win Hill of Ladybower, the Hope valley and beyond.
6. Keep walking to the summit, and you’ll arrive at the Win Hill trig point! From here, go down and take the path that continues straight ahead.
Follow the path straight, walk through a metal gate and continue walking along the track until you get to some stone wall ruins.
7. Turn left to go through the wooden gate into the forest from here.
Go downhill in the direction of Ladybower Reservoir. Go through the wooden gate and continue straight down, following the green post to Ladybower.
8. When you get to the path, turn right and continue following the path next to the reservoir. Watch out for the bikes! Go up the hill and continue straight. The viaduct will be on your left soon.
9. Keep walking until you reach Ladybower Dam. Then, you can continue heading down the tarmac path and go towards the weir from here.
Tip: if you want to extend your walk, you can head to Bamford Edge from here. Follow our guide for full directions from Heatherdene Car Park.
You will eventually join the Thornhill Trail and rejoin how you started initially. Or you can take the right-hand mud trail slightly uphill through the trees to rejoin the path you began with going down the waterfall.
10. Keep heading back in the direction you came, past the car park and along the path. When you reach the end, turn left in the order of Bamford.
Go past the tennis club, over the bridge and turn left through the Riverside Garage. Go up through the metal gate and retrace your footsteps up the hill to your car.
Win Hill Walk complete! Well done!
Win Hill Short Walk:
Win Hill Short Walk directionns from Yorkshire Bridge via Parkin Clough:
The route is a steep 300m climb through the woods, over the moor to the top, and then descending back. We would recommend parking at Heatherdene Car Park and walking from there for this walk.
The route is roughly 3-miles long, and the highlights include the trig point, Ladybower Plug holes and the beautiful scenery.
Alternatively, you can arrive at Win Hill from Hope Village.
From here, you will have to go via Twitchill farm or the villages of Ashton or Thornhill. You can follow the route on All Trails. There are toilets and parking available in Hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Win Hill?
Win Hill is in the Dark Peaks in Derbyshire, England. You can reach win Hill from Ladybower Reservoir, Bamford and Hope.
How high is Win Hill?
Win Hill is 462m above sea level, which is 1,516ft.
How did Win Hill get its name?
The top on the top of Win Hill lies Win Hill Pike, locally referred to by the name of Pimple. It is sometimes referred to as the Old Witches Knoll.
Win Hill’s name was originally recorded as Wythinehull, which means “Withy Hill” or “Willow Hill”. Willow fragments have been seen in theconiferous vegetation near the road to Yorkshire Bridge.
Where can I drink and eat after Win Hill?
Three good options are the Ladybower Inn, the Yorkshire Bridge Inn or Anglers Rest.
What Peak District Hikes can I do nearby?
There are many beautiful hikes near Win Hill. Read our exciting guides to:
Mam Tor and the Great Ridge
If you have any questions about the Win Hill walk, please contact us in the comments or follow us on Instagram for more travel tips!
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.