Trail Running Planet · Peak District · Marsden Moor
Stairway to Heaven from Wessenden
The stepped pull out of Wessenden that gives the route its name delivers you straight onto the roof of the moor, with the whole reservoir valley dropping away behind you in one go.
Distance
13.8 km
Ascent
342 m
Descent
348 m
Max elevation
443 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
1h 45m – 2h 25m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
HD7 6DH
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 13.8km moor loop above Marsden through the Wessenden valley, climbing the stepped track known as the Stairway to Heaven onto the high Pennine moor. Reservoirs below, open bog and big views on top.
Hazards & notes
The moor above Wessenden is blanket bog, wet and featureless in cloud, and the tops are fully exposed with no shelter. Ground-nesting birds from March to July, and grouse shooting on the moor from August to December.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/peak-district/marsden-moor/stairway-to-heaven-wessenden
trailrunningplanet.com