GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Thornhill Trail

2 miles (3 km)

This easy cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway line between Ladybower Dam down and Bamford station. It runs for just under 2 miles along a flat path with views of the River Derwent and a woodland section near the reservoir. It's a good one for families or anyone looking for an easy cycle or walk.
The route runs along a section of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way so there is scope for extending your walk along this long distance path. Heading south east will take you along the river to Hathersage.
There's also a good cycling trail around the Howden, Derwent and Ladybower Reservoirs. If you're on foot try the Ladybower Reservoir Walk or the climb to Win Hill. You can take a short detour from the path at Parkin Clough to climb the hill where you will enjoy fabulous views over the reservoir. The summit is only about a quarter of a mile west from the path and a great option if you are on foot.

Thornhill Trail OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Thornhill Trail Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Angler's Rest in Bamford village is a good option for refreshments. The community-owned pub and cafe includes facilities such as a post office, log burner, beer garden, large car park and secure bike racks. In the bar area there's a fine selection of real ales, while the cafe offers light meals, delicious cakes baked on the premises, as well as hot and cold drinks. The cafe also hosts a nice art gallery with a monthly exhibition of original work by local artists that not only brightens the walls but is also available to buy. It's a great place to go because you are not just enjoying a pint, a coffee or buying a stamp, you are also helping to sustain a community! You can easiliy find the pub on the Main Road in Bamford with a postcode of S33 0DY for your sat navs.
Also in the village you will find the Yorkshire Bridge Inn. This fine inn was awarded the Gold Award in the East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Excellence Award 2009. There's an excellent menu and they also provide good quality accommodation if you need to stay over. Outside there's a lovely beer garden to relax in when the weather is good. You can find the pub on Ashopton Road with a postcode of S33 0AZ.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the north east of Bamford you can climb to Bamford Edge and enjoy some fine views over the area.

Photos

Ladybower Dam Wall - geograph.org.uk - 865379

Ladybower Dam Wall

Ladybower Dam Wall - West Bank Footpath View - geograph.org.uk - 860040

Ladybower Dam Wall

Thornhill Trail - geograph.org.uk - 2242387

Thornhill Trail

Towards Bamford Edge - geograph.org.uk - 1248034

Towards Bamford Edge

Footpath near Thornhill - geograph.org.uk - 1213237

Footpath near Thornhill. This footpath follows the line of a massive embankment. The embankment was constructed to carry a railway line used in the building of the Lady Bower Dam.

"Touchstone" sculpture - geograph.org.uk - 1922585

"Touchstone" sculpture

GPS Files

GPX File

Thornhill Trail.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Thornhill Trail.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)