What to Expect

This Ethel-bagging route offers a varied and rewarding walk, taking in four Ethel's alongside a visit to Eldon Hole, one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak. Blending open limestone scenery with historic and geological interest, the route provides an enjoyable challenge for walkers looking to collect summits while exploring one of the Peak District’s most striking natural features. With expansive views, quiet paths, and a memorable stop at Eldon Hole, this walk showcases the best of White Peak hillwalking in a single outing.

Starting in Peak Forest we do have to navigate a busy road at first but once we are on the hills we are away from roads for the rest of the day. The initial ascent is steep but once we are up we are up. There's a final little push for a small hill right near the end. There will definitely be livestock on this walk, particularly some very inquisitive cows at Eldon Hill/Hole. They're friendly but they can get close. A few of the stiles along this route are poorly maintained compared to a lot of the Peak so be careful. As usual the route will be uneven and could be boggy this time of year. Any limestone will be slippery when wet. There are disused and still running mines along this route, they are well fenced off but if you have an escape artist dog it will be worth keeping them on the lead at all times. We walk along a few bridle tracks so there could be bike riders and horses on these routes. Gautries Hill and Slitherstone Hill summits are on private land so we will get as close as we legally can on public footpaths. This still counts!