Hayfield - Mount Famine - South Head - Hayfield

Denis Drury

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The village of Hayfield attracts many walkers, the majority of whom come to climb Kinder Scout. This much less-frequented walk takes in the lower peaks of Mount Famine and South Head with great views of Kinder and the surrounding area. The ascent of these two peaks is relatively steep but short and the walk follows well-defined paths and tracks. It makes an ideal morning outing followed by lunch in one of the village pubs.

As you pass the Hayfield Campsite, it's hard to imagine that this was once the site of Kinder Vale Printworks, a large calico printing works. This ceased to operate in 1902 and now there is hardly any evidence of its existence except for the old millpond now used by anglers. We pass this on the return journey just before reaching the opposite side of the campsite. Our walk takes us through the village and follows a section of the relatively new Pennine Bridleway, linking paths and tracks from South Derbyshire to West Yorkshire. Passing the campsite via the very attractive Elle Bank Woods, which in 2008 were for sale for £120,000, we leave the bridleway to follow a ridge with stunning views towards our first peak, Mount Famine at 473m. After a short descent we climb to the summit of South Head at 494m. We then descend via South Head Farm and Coldwell Clough, following a National Trust path that takes us back towards our starting point.

England - Central England - Derbyshire - Peak District

Features

Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

1/25/2021 - Simon Worrall

Walked January 2020. Very enjoyable walk - clear cold day, ground frozen and snow on Mount Famine and South Head. Strong wind and very cold up on the two peaks so good gear essential in cold weather. Excellent 360 views from top of Mount Famine well worth the short rocky scramble to the ridge leading to the highest point. GPS clocked it at 6.5 miles and it took us 3hrs 45mins including stops for coffee and lunch. No navigation issues however NOTE - one of the stone gate posts (WP8) is no longer there - the path off to the right up to South Head is obvious. NOTE - the information shelter (WP11) at South Head farm has been dismantled.

7/22/2012 - Vivien Quigley

Completed this walk yesterday 21/7/2012 but found the distance and duration was very different to our experience. Took us a lot longer and felt longer than 5.5 miles

10/30/2011 - Sarah Kerr

Good moderate walk with a steady ascent to the top, bar a couple of steep sections at the summits. Lovely walk through woodland at the end of the walk as well.