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The Hathersage stepping stones round walk is a lovely Hope Valley walk for 2026. The walk starts from the Bird Cafe in Hathersage, crosses local farmland and fields, crosses the river Derwent at the Hathersage stepping stones. It also follows a beautiful section of public footpath next to the river Derwent. The Bird cafe is a local gem in the Peak District gem in Hathersage village. Situated by the beautiful river Derwent in the Hope Valley, and next to the Hathersage stepping stones – the Bird Cafe is a great starting location for a walk. In this guide we give you a route guide and maps to help you plan your walk.
How do you get to the bird cafe and Hathersage stepping stones?
The Bird Cafe is located in The Hope Valley, Peak District National Park west of Hathersage village. The Bird Cafe is open daily from 9am – 4pm.
The Bird Cafe, Castleton Road, S32 1EG Hathersage, UK.
thebirdcafehathersage@gmail.com
From Sheffield drive along the Ecclesall road, which becomes the Hathersage Road (A625) to Fox house. Follow the main road to the right around the bend (it becomes the A6187). Follow the main road past Surprise View and down into the Hope Valley. Follow the A6187 through Hathersage Village. The Bird Cafe is approximately 2km past Hathersage on the right.
A note about parking
Parking can be a challenge and it is a contentious issue in this popular area of the peaks.
You can park at the Bird Cafe itself. BUT (and this is important) – they do have a “fair use” policy for their carpark. So if you’re popping in for a drink and a short walk – this should be ok. On the other hand, they may not be too happy if you pop in for a drink and then park for the whole day. There is also a layby for parking just before the Bird Cafe.
If you are not able to drive you can also get to the Bird Cafe by public transport from Sheffield city centre: Take the bus number 272 from Sheffield city centre. Get off the bus at the Hathersage Cunliffe House stop. Alternatively you can get to the Bird Cafe by train from Sheffield city centre. Take a train on the Manchester-Sheffield line (make sure the train stops at Bamford station because many express trains don’t stop here). Get off the train at Bamford Station. The Bird Cafe is a short walk (around 500m) along the A6187 towards Sheffield. Be careful walking along this section of main road – this is a very fast main road through the Hope Valley.
What’s the Bird Cafe like?
The bird cafe is a quaint cafe selling local art and local produce such as Bakewell Puddings and conserves. If you’re willing to pay a bit more to support local businesses this is a great place to get some local delicacies. The cafe sells a range of gourmet cafe food – cakes, ice creams, coffees and bistro lunch meals.
The Bird Cafe 6km round walk via the Hathersage Stepping stones
Here is a lovely route for a 6km round walk via the Hathersage Stepping stones. Walk approximately 500m back along the A6187 in the direction of Hathersage and Sheffield. Keep your eye open for a public footpath to the right.
When you see the footpath sign and the gate follow the path across the fields and towards the river Derwent. When you get to the River Derwent you will see the Hathersage Stepping stones which cross the River Derwent.
Cross at the Hathersage stepping stones. On the other side of the river find the path that leads up over the fields to the farm. This section is around 500m. At the farm follow the lane to the right. Walk approximately 1.5km (around 1 mile) along this lane. Look out for a public footpath to the right that leads over the fields and back towards the river Derwent. Take the right turn and follow the path back down to the River Derwent. When you reach the River Derwent turn right and follow the path back along the river to the stepping stones. Cross back over the river at the Hathersage stepping stones and return to the Bird Cafe on the A6187.
What else is there to do near the Hathersage Stepping Stones and the Bird Cafe?
Not far from the Hathersage stepping stones you can visit Stanage Edge and the incredible Robinhood’s cave (be warned you need to be able to climb a little to see the REAL Robin Hood’s cave. Don’t miss the AMAZING Bamford edge view point for a breath taking insta shot. You from Hathersage can also easily get to Fox House for LOADS of amazing walks. Hathersage is also super close to Burbage Edge, the Longshaw Estate and Padley Gorge. The Hathersage stepping stones are also conveniently close to Lady Bower reservoir. Further down the Hope Valley you can also visit Castleton and Mam tor. Want more inspiration? Don’t miss our amazing Peak District family walks guide. Or if you’re looking for walks for little leggies don’t miss the BEST Peak District walks for toddlers.
