great hill route

This is a terrific walk, perfect for a sunny summers evening. Starting from the cricket club car park, cross the goit and pass through the kissing gate, turn sharp left and climb the short stretch to the old ramblers association sign, turn right here and start the climb on to the fell. The path bears left as it rises quite sharply on to the moorside.

The way forward is obvious and after an initial sharp climb the wall at Coppice Stile is reached. This is an old farm ruin and from here a superb path heads straight on accross the moor.

On reaching a small flight of steps, turn right on to a broad path that links Great Hill to Brinscall, follow this path onwards towards Great Hill summit passing through the ruins of Drinkwaters farm on route. Look out for "Joe's Cup" in the wall on the left approaching Drinkwaters.

From here the summit is dead ahead and a gentle climb before crossing a stile for a short sharp steeper ascent on to the summit crosswall. The cross wall shelter on top offers shelter no matter which way the wind is blowing. After a drink, rest and a pork pie! head left following the finger post towards Winter Hill along a superbly layed stone flagged path. The flags descend sharply to a stile . Cross the stile and leave the path turning sharp right and on to a grassy path. Keep right, don't veer off left as this will take you to Round Loaf. Keep straight ahead, passing the ruins of Great Hill farm and follow a lovely path leading towards trees just above Dean Black Brook.

On reaching the trees continue onwards with the brook down towards your left. You soon pass a fallen tree that is still growing, the root system offers great shelter if the the weather is poor. Carry on following the course of the brook along an obvious but rocky path that takes you all the way to the old disused quarry above White Coppice. From the quarry, follow the brook back to the kissing gate where your walk started.