The Roaches and Dane Valley, Peak District: C Walk (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

C WALK DESCRIPTION: Dane Valley, Peak District. Circular route from Rushton Spencer. 8.5 miles, one sustained ascent of 350 ft over 1.3 miles, 850 ft total ascent. Starting at Rushton Spencer, the route goes gently uphill over pastureland, climbing 160 ft over the first 1.8 miles, with some views of the Cloud, a hill to the west. We cross a stream and then walk steadily uphill on a minor road, past a fine pond at Bearda, gaining more extensive views of the hills and gritstone edges. Continuing uphill, we turn onto a track with good views of the hills across the Dane Valley. At the highest point of the walk we pass under one outcrop, the Hanging Stone, and then go downhill through fields and the remains of a wood to Danebridge, 4.4 miles from start. The attractive bridge, over the river Dane was built in 1869 and is listed on the National Heritage List for England.  Here we pass a microbrewery and return to Rushton Spencer on a largely level route. Initially we follow the river, past a fishing pond, through fields, and finally past some weirs which were built to divert water into a feeder canal channelling water into Rudyard Lake.  At 5.5 miles, we cross the river and walk along this conduit for 1.6 miles. Turning off the conduit we walk across a field and cross the main A road and turn to go along the disused railway track back to Rushton Spencer. If time permits, we can go to the Knot Inn here before arriving at the nearby coach.