Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones up Bleaklow Head: route map, distance and time
633 m · Peak District
Bleaklow Head is a remote peat moorland summit in the Dark Peak, crossed by the Pennine Way and known for its groughs and the Wain Stones.
A path follows Shelf Brook up into the moors, passes Higher Shelf Stones and the aircraft wreck, then crosses groughs to Bleaklow Head.
Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones at a glance
| Distance | 6.9 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 477 m |
| Time up | 2h 10m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 35m, down the same way |
| Grade | Hard |
| Start | Old Glossop |
| Start grid reference | SK 042 948 |
| Summit grid reference | SK 094 960 |
Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- The Queens Arms0.0 km
- The Wheatsheaf0.1 km
- The Bull's Head0.1 km
- Shepleys Cafe0.1 km
- The Coffee Shop at Wimberry Hill0.8 km
- Cafe Light0.9 km
- Public toilets0.4 km
- Public toilets0.9 km
- Public toilets1.2 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 55m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 3h 35m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 40m | 4h 25m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 06:58, sunset 16:43. Start by 12:08 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 35m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:00, sunset 16:41. Start by 12:06 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 35m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Bleaklow Head summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Slight rain, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -1°C, summit wind 39 mph gusting 49 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 06:58, sunset 16:43.
-
Good Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Fog, up to 10°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 4°C, summit wind 19 mph gusting 23 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:00, sunset 16:41.
Best day of the next seven for Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones: Saturday 31 October, with summit gusts around 11 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Bleaklow Head forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb Bleaklow Head?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Peak District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -1°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 49 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Bleaklow Head
Bleaklow Head is a remote peat moorland summit in the Dark Peak, crossed by the Pennine Way and known for its groughs and the Wain Stones. More about Bleaklow Head, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, HuMP.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Higher Shelf Stones (622 m), 1.4 km south-west
Challenges that include Bleaklow Head
Other routes up Bleaklow Head
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Pass via the Pennine Way | 4.1 km one way | 126 m | 1h 0m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at SK 042 948, the summit at SK 094 960), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones: questions and answers
How far is Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones?
Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones is 6.9 km one way to the summit of Bleaklow Head, with 477 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 13.8 km.
How long does Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones take?
About 2h 10m to the summit of Bleaklow Head and 3h 35m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 25m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones?
Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones starts from Old Glossop. The grid reference is SK 042 948.
Is Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones suitable for beginners?
Not as a first mountain. Peakify grades it Hard: steep, rough ground where a slip matters. Build up on an easier route first, such as the Snake Pass via the Pennine Way.
What time should I start Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones today?
By 12:08 at the latest. Sunset on Bleaklow Head today is 16:43, Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones takes about 3h 35m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Old Glossop via Higher Shelf Stones?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).