Stanage & North Lees

Stanage-North Lees is located close to Hathersage in the so-called Dark Peak and includes moorland, rock edges, woodland and farmland. This 542ha property is managed by the National Park Authority in partnership with the Stanage Forum and the tenant farmer.

The scenic value is exceptional. The dramatic rock scenery of Stanage Edge is set in wild open moorland with views to the pleasant rural landscape surrounding North Lees Hall and the farm below. As well as being adored by local people of Outseats and Hathersage, Stanage is only 6 miles (9.5 km) from Sheffield (the UK's fifth largest city) and is central to one of the busiest National Parks in the world. The property receives over half a million visitors per year and people come to enjoy a whole range of activities including: climbing, walking, camping at the Authority's campsite, cycling, picnicking, horse riding, hang-gliding, para-gliding, bird watching or simply enjoying the amazing wildlife and literary heritage. The ring ouzel is recognised as a 'flagship' species for the property - which also acts as a regional and UK stronghold for the birds - representing the fragile relationship between people and the conservation of this internationally important landscape.

Stanage-North Lees affords opportunities for visitors to be actively engaged in energetic pursuits or for quiet enjoyment. It is especially important for walking as an area of open access and for climbing for which it is regarded as the birthplace of the sport. Stanage Edge has over 1,200 identified routes of all different grades and is internationally famous for bouldering. It is also a highly sought-after TV, film, advertising and photographic location. A short walk from Stanage Edge is North Lees campsite and the National Park's own self catering accommodation at Cattis Side Cottage.

Numerous school and outdoor education groups visit the property for education, outdoor sports, landscape and wildlife studies as well as the demonstration of good practice in landscape management, key to which is the farm tenancy.

The land supports internationally important heather moorland and blanket bog, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area. It also has a mixture of native broad-leaved and coniferous woodlands and flower rich grasslands (for more information see our Meadows section). The whole landscape has been influenced by man and contains a wide range of interesting features, four of which are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. These include the remains of a Catholic Chapel, a Romano-British settlement and Bronze Age sites. Interesting buildings include traditional farm buildings that predate the 16th century North Lees Hall (Grade II* Listed) which has literary associations with the novel “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. At the top of the long causeway Stanage Pole can be found on the boundary with South Yorkshire and Sheffield.

Travelling to Stanage/North Lees

Bus

It is not possible to reach Stanage / North Lees directly by bus. The service that stops closest to the estate is the 272 from Sheffield to Castleton.

You can alight at Hathersage and walk up, although it is around 2 miles of relatively steep ascent. Alternatively, alight at Fox House or Surprise View, and walk across the moor.

It is also about a 2 mile walk from the terminus of Service 51 from Sheffield to Lodge Moor.

Service 215 from Sheffield to Bakewell and Matlock also calls at Fox House.

Train

The Hope Valley Line which connects Sheffield and Manchester has 5 stations within the Peak District National Park, and each provides access to stunning scenery and recreational opportunities. Hathersage is the best station at which to alight for accessing Stanage and North Lees, although it does require a 2 mile uphill walk to access the estate. Alternatively, alight at Grindleford and walk up the stunning Padley Gorge, or catch bus 272 from Hathersage to Fox House, and walk across the moor.

The Hope Valley line train service is run by Northern Rail.

Car parking is available at North Lees as shown on this map.

Facilities

Toilets (including disabled facilities) can be found close to Hollin Bank Car Park.