I went 'over the top' for this walk, in more ways than one. Not only did I head for high ground and far reaching views, but I also planned a long distance route of about 10 miles (way further than my average amble). However, it turned out to be even longer when I chose the wrong path!

I began my extended adventure at Fox House where the first stretch of the car park is public. Originally called the Travellers Rest, the old coaching inn was later renamed after the Fox family of Callow near Hathersage. George Fox had sheep grazing in the Upper Burbage Valley and used the premises for a shepherd's house. At one time a large room was called the 'Dukes Room' after the Duke of Rutland who slept here with his sons prior to the construction of his shooting lodge at nearby Longshaw.

The oldest part of the building dates from about 1773 but it was extended around 1840. Fox House is also reputed to be the inspiration for 'Whitecross' in the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, where Jane alighted from a coach whilst fleeing to Morton, said to be based on Hathersage.  

A short cut past the benches at the back of the main car parking area missed out the busy road junction as I headed for the path to Upper Burbage Bridge taking me beneath Burbage Edge to a bend in the road known as Fiddler's Elbow.

The weather was glorious and the views magnificent, especially my favourite landmarks of Carl Wark and Higger Tor. A group of students equipped with colourful helmets and safety harnesses were being taught the rudiments of climbing on a cluster of rocks in the craggy escarpment to my right.

The Ringinglow Road was laid in 1758 as part of the rollercoaster Sheffield to Sparrowpit turnpike road, incorporating a very steep descent into Hathersage down Callow Bank and a very steep ascent from Castleton on the unstable flanks of Mam Tor. Two sets of posts from toll gates along the route can still be found on the roundabout at Hunters Bar and not far from the traffic light junction near Bamford.

Onwards and upwards I walked on the approach to Stanage Edge, peaking at the trig point where I scanned the skyline for familiar landmarks. As well as a colourful procession of climbers clinging to the rocks amid jingling jangling sounds of dangling karabiners from their chatelaine waistbands, I came across a little cluster of stunt type cyclists using their bikes to hop between precipice rocks and boulders. This scary new extreme sport involves precision, good balance and fearlessness!

At some point I passed the spot where Keira Knightley stood on the edge of the Edge in a Kate Winslet impression for the famous scene in Pride and Prejudice, after which I took a right turn across the high moors along the Long Causeway leading past Stanedge Pole to Redmires Reservoirs consisting of Upper, Middle and Lower reservoirs – constructed between 1836 and 1854.

On reaching the first reservoir, where my track became a tarmac road, I planned to turn right on a concessionary path past White Stones over Rud Hill – a route I had walked some time ago, before the CROW (Countryside Right of Way) Act of 2000 and the introduction of Access Land in the Peak District.

I had a choice of going over a stile and then up through a bit of boggy grassland, or to follow what looked like a well established and waymarked path, the latter being much more inviting but not the right one. It did not take me over Rud Hill, but was part of a new Sheffield walking trail using a permissive path that did not appear on my map.

It turned out to be a wonderful circular path around the reservoirs through patches of wild flower wonderland, at one point passing an orchestra clump of fabulous orchids. There were numerous birds and butterflies flitting around, so it was well worth the extra mile or so.

However, my extended detour meant that I now had to road walk along Fulwood Lane to get around Rud Hill and back on track. After the extra exertion I felt the need to stop for sustenance at the Norfolk Arms - they do a lovely bacon, mozzarella and mango chutney Panini!

Ringinglow is said to have been named long ago by early travellers. Lost on the wild and inhospitable moors, they were guided down to Sheffield by the sound of church bells ringing low in the valley before them. The charming octagonal building was the old toll house.

My return to Fox House followed Houndkirk Road, an old coach road that must have been a bone-shaking experience. Two eroded milestones can still be found along the way indicating the distance to Tideswell, Buxton or Sheffield.

The views from this high vantage point are beyond words to describe and I must return with my binoculars, as I'm convinced I saw the crooked spire

and Bolsover Castle. Could the twinkling away in the distance have been the sun shining on Hardwick Hall? Years ago I was told that with a telescope or binoculars you can see the Humber Bridge from up there – wow!

Sheffield, the 4th largest city in England by population, appeared like a sprawled out green metropolis of tree lined roads and parks dotted here and there with skyscrapers.

As I ended my walk at a much slower pace, toes tender and leg muscles beginning to tire, I was treated to one last surprise. Across the road from the pub two red deer stags appeared to be watching the traffic passing by. One had massive antlers like branches on a wizened pair of old oaks.

I was aware that red deer roam these moors and I have caught the odd distant glimpse, but this close up was a real turn up for the bucks!

This is not intended as a walk guide