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Healthy Hikes: Route Information
Route 1 AM each day: Stanage Edge & Carrhead Rocks Healthy Hike
Distance: 6.5 km
Elevation gain: 250 m
Beginning at the Memorial Hall in Hathersage, this walk quickly leaves the village behind to follow peaceful trails beside streams and through woodland on the edge of the Peak District.
The route climbs gradually through open countryside towards the striking gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge. As the path rises, the landscape opens out, leading to Carrhead Rocks where expansive views stretch back across Hathersage and along the River Derwent valley.
Along the way, the pace will slow at times for short guided mindfulness moments, led by a qualified coach with extensive experience supporting those managing with illness through outdoors immersion. These gentle pauses invite participants to notice the sounds of water and wind, the textures of the landscape, and the rhythm of walking in nature.
From the high ground the route meanders downhill on quieter trails, gradually returning to Hathersage through open countryside and woodland.
Route 2 PM each day: Rough Wood & Grindleford Forest Healthy Hike
Distance: 6 km
Elevation gain:120 m
Starting from the Memorial Hall in Hathersage, this gentle route moves through the village before emerging onto open farmland with views across the surrounding landscape of the Peak District.
The walk then enters the quiet woodland of Rough Wood where shaded trails wind through mature trees on a well-defined path leading towards the neighbouring village of Grindleford.
After a short climb into Oxhay Wood, the route turns back through a network of forest paths where the sounds of birds, flowing streams and rustling leaves create a calm setting for walking.
During the hike, participants will pause at intervals for short guided mindfulness experiences led by a coach experienced in supporting people managing illness through nature connection. These moments offer time to slow the pace, take in the surroundings, and experience the restorative effect of walking in woodland landscapes.