Burbage Edge

Recommended map: The Peak District Dark Peak Area 1:25000, Outdoor Leisure 1

Click on image to return

A popular and classic circuit. Park at the Surprise View PAD car park at SK252801 on the A625 and either take the path out of the back of the car park heading north (uphill) to a curiously shaped rock called Mother Cap, or take the path out of the left end of the car park to the fence above Millstone Edge and follow this rightwards. After some 500m make for another prominent pile of rocks called Over Owler Tor, then follow any of various footpaths NNE, crossing left, right or through a large sheep fold and up to Higger Tor. (See picture). Right is another rocky tor usually referred to as Carls Wark though this is actually the ancient fortifications that adorn the edges of this feature. This can be easily visited. Keep in the same general direction (avoid swinging left) along rough but well used tracks parallel with Burbage valley on the right, to join a road at a sharp bend; beyond is Burbage Bridge and an alternative car park for the circuit (SK260829). Just over the bridge pass through a gate on the right and follow Green Drive for about 2.5km (1.6m) to meet the main A625 road not far from your starting point. Cross the road, pass through a small gate and follow a footpath leftwards into Longshaw estate. Cross the B6251, turn right then immediately left towards Longshaw House which is owned by the National Trust. Turning left at the B6251 and right at the junction would take one to the Fox House Inn. Just before reaching Longshaw House, the public footpath peels off right, eventually circumnavigating a lake before returning to the road. Cross the road, pass through a small gate and go down to the delightful Burbage brook and cross via a small wooden bridge. Keeping in the same general direction follow a deep ditch which leads back to the car park. Allow 2.5 hours walking time. Ice creams in summer at Burbage bridge, usual refreshments at The Fox House Inn.

Particular interest: Millstone Edge, Carls Wark, Higger Tor