Stanage Edge, Carl Wark and Higger Tor
A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park Peak District in Derbyshire, England, about 11.90km (7.39 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 4:15h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
279m (915ft)
Descent
274m (898ft)
Max. Elevation
430m (1410ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
553m (1813ft)
Start & End
Hathersage station
Distance
11.90km
(7.39mi)
(7.39mi)
Duration
~4:15h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
An ideal morning or afternoon walk along well established and signposted paths. Some scrambling involved in the walk (on Higger Tor)Â Suitable for children of approx. 10 years old and above.
The walk begins at Hathersage, a pretty peak district village with some excellent outdoor equipment shops, cafes and pubs. A pleasant stroll across farmland leads you to North Lees Hall, thought to be the inspiration for Thornfield in Jane Eyre. From there, you ascend to Stanage Edge and enjoy stunning views across the Hope Valley. The walk also includes Burbage Rocks, Carl Wark (iron age hill fort) and rocky Higger Tor, before returning to Hathersage via moorland and farmland paths.
Walk Functions
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid SK231810
Trains from Manchester and Sheffield.
Turn left out of the station and after a short way, join another road which leads downhill to the main street, passing the Little John Hotel, bakery and Elliott's. Turn right onto the main road, then left onto Baulk Lane.
OS Grid SK221815
Walk along the lane, passing the cricket pitch and scout hut and over a cattle grid. The path continues on past houses and across open fields. Follow the signpost, bearing left across a field towards the back gates of Brookfield Manor. Continue up to the road (Birley Lane) and turn right along it. The large house on your left is Bronte Cottage. Continue past this and turn left up the tarmac road. This leads uphill to North Lees Hall.
About 1.19 km (~0.74 miles) from 
OS Grid SK235834
Just after the hall, turn right onto a clearly defined path leading across a field. go through the gate at the other side and along the wooded path, bearing left up some steps to reach the road and ranger station. There are toilets at the ranger station, the last loo stop on the walk.
About 2.31 km (~1.44 miles) from 
OS Grid SK238836
Cross the road and take the grassy path directly opposite. In the woodland, the path is slabbed and ascends diagonally through the trees. Continue along this path, to gain the crest of the edge.
About 0.39 km (~0.24 miles) from 
OS Grid SK238844
Turn right along the edge and continue towards rocky Hook's Car, ignoring the path off to the left, which leads to Stanedge Pole. From the trigpoint on Cowper Stone, the path swings left. Follow this, descending through heather moorland to the road and car park at Upper Burbage Bridge.
About 0.87 km (~0.54 miles) from 
OS Grid SK260829
Cross the bridge and turn right along a well defined path beneath Burbage Rocks. Continue along this for some way until you come to a crossing of paths. Take the right hand path. You will know you're in the right place, as you will see that the plantation that has been on your right for some time is petering out and you should be able to see the rocks of Carl Wark and Higger Tor on the moors to your right. The path descends and crosses two footbridges before ascending to Carl Wark. Take some time to explore the rocks before continuing to Higger Tor, a short distance away.
About 2.67 km (~1.66 miles) from 
OS Grid SK257819
Here, the scramble to the top of the tor begins, or you can skirt round it if you wish. From the top of the tor, take the path which bears left towards the road. Cross the road and continue onto the moorland.
About 1.07 km (~0.66 miles) from 
OS Grid SK255823
Turn left down the clearly defined footpath, descending sharply down Callow Bank. This leads onto a track towards a dilpodated building. Pass the and when you come to the gate onto Mitchell Field conservation area, follow the footpath as directed.
About 0.41 km (~0.25 miles) from 
OS Grid SK248819
Follow the path through the conservation area and continue across the fields and woodland paths to reach the road. Turn right and follow the road round the bend. You can have a browse round the village and maybe a spot of lunch before returning to the station.
About 0.79 km (~0.49 miles) from 
End of walkOS Grid SK232810
Trains to Manchester and Sheffield.
About 1.85 km (~1.15 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
violetpsyche
On waypoint 5, I meant ignore the path to Stanedge Pole, not Stanage Edge. You'll be on Stanage Edge by then, of course!