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Longshaw and Totley Moor

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 9.35 miles

Embark on a captivating circular walk in the Peak District, easily accessible from either of the National Trust Longshaw Estate car parks. This route offers a rewarding exploration of the diverse landscapes surrounding this popular area. From the car park, your journey begins as you make your way towards the iconic Burbage Bridge, joining a section of the Sheffield Country Walk. Along this initial stretch, you'll pass a fascinating disused quarry, a reminder of the area's industrial past. The path then leads you across the expansive Houndkirk Moor, offering windswept views before descending into the tranquil Blacka Plantation. Follow the course of Blacka Dike as it guides you down to the area of Lenny Hill. Your walk continues across the open moorland towards the distinct landmarks of Brown Edge and Flask Edge. Crossing the B6054 road, you'll have the opportunity to discover a captivating stone circle, a relic of prehistoric times. The return leg of your walk ascends back towards the road, passing the historic Ladys Cross, a medieval wayside and boundary marker with connections to Beauchief Abbey dating back to at least 1263. Continuing onto the panoramic White Edge Moor, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside before making your way back to the car park. Keep an eye out for 'White Edge Lodge', a solitary and picturesque former gamekeeper's lodge built in the mid-19th century for the Duke of Rutland's Longshaw Estate. Interestingly, this charming house gained fame as the residence of St John Rivers in the 2011 film adaptation of Jane Eyre. Remember to wear good, supportive boots for this walk, as sections can become wet and muddy, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall. This route promises lovely views and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the Peak District.

Further Information

Where Moorland Majesty Meets Historical Whispers: Exploring Longshaw Estate and Totley Moor

Nestled on the fringes of Sheffield, where the city's hum gives way to the dramatic beauty of the Peak District National Park, lie the captivating landscapes of Longshaw Estate and Totley Moor. These adjacent areas, each with its unique character, offer a compelling blend of natural splendour, historical intrigue, and opportunities for exploration.

Longshaw Estate: A Tapestry of Nature and History

Longshaw Estate, managed by the National Trust, unfolds across 1600 acres of diverse terrain. Here, ancient woodlands whisper tales of centuries past, while open meadows and heather moorland stretch towards panoramic views of the Derwent Valley. The very name "Longshaw" is believed to originate from the "long wood" that once characterised the picturesque Padley Gorge, a magical, stream-carved valley bordering the estate.

Evidence of human activity at Longshaw dates back to the Bronze Age, with remnants of settlements and burial cairns scattered across the landscape. Later, in medieval times, the area saw further habitation. The gritstone quarried at Yarncliffe from the 15th century onwards provided millstones, a testament to the early industries that shaped the region.

Adding to the historical tapestry are the two guidestoops, sturdy stone posts dating back to the early 1700s. These ancient signposts were mandated by an Act of Parliament to aid travellers navigating the open moorland, offering a tangible link to a time when journeys across these hills were far more arduous.

In 1855, the Duke of Rutland acquired the estate, building Longshaw Lodge as a comfortable retreat for his shooting parties. This elegant lodge, with its later 19th-century additions, stands as a reminder of the area's sporting heritage. Interestingly, the Longshaw Sheepdog Trials, believed to be the oldest continuously run sheepdog trials in England (since 1898), still take place annually, a vibrant tradition rooted in the estate's past.

A significant turning point in Longshaw's history came in 1928 when publicSubscription, spearheaded by Ethel Haythornthwaite, saved the estate from potential development. In 1931, it was gifted to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy. Today, the visitor centre, housed in the former Shooting Lodge, serves as a gateway to exploring this remarkable landscape.

Totley Moor: Rugged Beauty and Ancient Secrets

To the west of the Sheffield suburb of Totley lies Totley Moor, an expansive and more rugged expanse of open moorland. Reaching a summit of 395 metres (1,296 ft) above sea level, it offers dramatic views across the surrounding countryside.

Beneath the surface of Totley Moor lies a feat of Victorian engineering: the Totley Tunnel. This 3.5-mile-long railway tunnel, built between 1888 and 1893, runs beneath the moor and the Longshaw Estate, connecting Totley and Grindleford stations as part of the Sheffield to Manchester route through the Hope Valley. A notable feature is the large air ventilation shaft that rises from a natural cavern within the tunnel up to the moor's surface. This tunnel remains in active use today, carrying frequent trans-pennine passenger trains.

Totley Moor also holds secrets from the distant past. Along the Brown Edge ridge, three Bronze Age cairnfields, now protected as Scheduled Monuments, provide evidence of early human presence. Excavations at one ring cairn in 1963 unearthed cremation remains, urns, a pygmy cup, and a hearth, with these artefacts now displayed at Sheffield's Weston Park Museum. Further discoveries, such as a Bronze Age shale-working floor found at Flask Edge after a fire in 1960, reveal the industrial activities of prehistoric inhabitants.

In more recent times, following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Totley Moor became "Open Access" land, inviting the public to freely explore its gritstone uplands. The Sheffield Country Walk bridleway traverses the moor, linking Totley with the A6187 road, while the Peak District Boundary Walk also skirts its eastern edge.

A Landscape Intertwined

Longshaw Estate and Totley Moor, while distinct in their character, form a contiguous and invaluable part of the Peak District. The gentler, managed landscapes of Longshaw provide a contrast to the wilder, more exposed terrain of Totley Moor. Together, they offer a rich tapestry of walking trails, from leisurely strolls through woodlands and meadows to more challenging hikes across open moorland.

Wildlife thrives in both areas. Longshaw is home to a herd of red deer, while both estates provide habitats for various bird species, including willow warblers, blackcaps, cuckoos, wheatears, stonechats, and whinchats. Keep an eye out for the fascinating northern hairy wood ants at Longshaw, diligently repairing their nests in early spring.

Whether you are drawn to the historical echoes within Longshaw's woodlands and ancient monuments or the rugged beauty and panoramic vistas of Totley Moor, these neighbouring landscapes offer a captivating escape into nature and a glimpse into the Peak District's rich past. Exploring these areas provides a profound connection to the land and the generations who have walked these paths before us.