UK Iconic Walks Challenge – Stanage Edge and the Burbage Valley, Peak District

Stanage Edge in the Peak District is especially loved by climbers and hikers alike. This craggy gritstone escarpment nestled in the Derbyshire Dales reaches a peak of 457m (1,499ft) at one of three trig points (White Moss, High Neb and Ox Stones), with surrounding hills and dales forming the Burbage Valley. Easily accessible via paths along the famous gritstone escarpment, Stanage Edge offers stunning views of Hope and Burbage Valleys and surrounding moorland.

The valley used to be part of the Longshaw Lodge hunting estate of the Duke of Rutland. During WWII it was used as a practice area by Canadian troops and the Home Guard with some rocks still showing scars caused by mortar shelling. Now owned by Sheffield County Council, Burbage is now managed on by the Eastern Moors Partnership – a joint venture between the National Trust and the RSPB. who sought to improve the previous 83 acre Burbage Plantation. Most of the plantation has now been removed in order to improve the landscape, and following removal of conifers, moorland restoration and replanting with Oak and Birch woodland the result is home to a vast array of wildlife, including Nightjars, Woodcocks, Siskin, Stonechat, Reed Bunting and Willow Warbler to name but a few of its resident birds.

Stanage Edge and Burbage Valley are a hikers paradise, with scenic, moderate hiking, featuring gritstone edges, panoramic views from Higger Tor and Carl Wark, and walks along Burbage Brook. Popular circular routes start from Upper Burbage Bridge or the National Trust Longshaw Estate, combining rugged moorland with nearby Padley Gorge woodlands.

We chose a circular route from Stanage Edge, down through the North and South Burbage Valley including Higger Tor, Longshaw Woods, Padley Gorge and Owler Tor before heading back to the carpark at Stanage Edge. We we fortunate enough to capture the most amazing pink and golden sunset as we got back to Stanage Edge to round off a brilliant day of exploring this beautiful area.