Peak District walk: Upper Burbage Edge and Higger Tor

Our walk initially explores two incredible gritstone edges, Lower and Upper Burbage Edge, followed by the iconic Higger Tor. Then, to finish, we visit an old hillfort, Carl Wark.

You’ll enjoy the moorlands from high above and be able to see both sides of the walk as you head around this circular loop.

The walk begins from the Longshaw Estate, part of the National Trust, which is also a perfect end to your walk with a cafe and visitor centre.

The beginning of this glorious walk sees you hiking uphill to reach the top of the first gritstone edge, Lower Burbage Edge. Once you’ve done the ascent you can then enjoy explore this rugged outcrop of rocks, picking your own path or following the sandy track alongside the edge.

The subsequent edge is similar as you’ll enjoy the fabulous views as you walk alongside the top. As you reach the end of the edges, the route crosses a small stream – mostly easy to cross but if there’s been heavy rain you might want to opt for the road and drop back down to the path.

Then you’re heading uphill again to Higger Tor. You’ll have seen this from the other side with its flat plateau top and surrounded by more gritstone rocks in all shapes and sizes.

Lastly, onto a historic landmark, Carl Wark, an old iron age hillfort, with remains of the old defensive wall still intact.

As well as ruggedness, history and adventure on this walk, you’ll be met with the sound of curlews, the ground nesting birds that make their home in the grasslands.

However, my favourite thing about this walk is during late July through to early, September when the heather blooms and the moorlands are covered with incredible pinky purple flowers for all to see. A perfect time of year to enjoy this walk.

Heather and bilberry on the moors around Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors Photo: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

THE ROUTE

Step 1: From the Longshaw Estate Moorcroft car park, walk towards the car entrance. In the back left hand corner, join a narrow footpath that runs parallel to the road leading out through a gap in the wall to the road.

Carefully, cross, opposite the Fox Inn pub, and turn left. Walk past the pub and shortly after you’ll come to a narrow footpath on your right. Walk up here and turn left through the next wooden gate, directly ahead is Higger Tor.

There’s another gate to pass through, keep walking until the path bears around to your right, now beginning to head uphill.

Step 2: Walk uphill and you’ll reach Lower Burbage Edge, a rocky gritstone formation. The path is rocky and takes you alongside the edge for about 1km, heading in a north-east direction.

When you reach the path junction, bear left and then go straight ahead at the cairn, walking in a north-westerly direction to pick up the second of the two gritstone edges, Upper Burbage Edge.

View from Upper Burbage Photo: National Trust/Annapurna Mellor Step 3: Keep on this footpath, sticking to the edge of the rocks and walk for approximately 1.5km where the footpath heads down to meet a wider path close to the road. Go past the gate on your right and continue on the path heading down to cross the stream below Upper Burbage Bridge. There are a couple of large rocks you can use to step over the stream.

Step 4: Once you’re across both streams, turn left and begin your ascent up the section known as Fiddler’s Elbow. This is a narrow rocky path that gradually takes you uphill to Higger Tor, which you can see up ahead.

The footpath brings you out on the north corner of the summit. Ahead you’ll see an expanse of flat rocky terrain as this summit has a large plateau top. There is a rough path on the left-hand side, although you may wish to explore the impressive gritstone rocks dotted around the east and south edges.

Continue to the far left-hand corner of Higger Tor, here, there’s a rocky scramble to the footpath below.

Step 5: You’ll head south on the sandy coloured footpath, towards the final hill, Carl Wark. At the base of the hill there are footpaths heading east and west, but your route continues straight on, up the rocky path then stone steps towards the top leading to a stone wall.

Follow the footpath around to the left and continue walking alongside the edge of the hill. Walk all the way around to the opposite corner. Again, there’s a short rocky scramble to the path below, once on the path continues as it descends and switches from rocks to a grassy trail.

Step 6: The path drops down to cross Burbage Brook and back up the other side where you’ll rejoin the path and shortly after it will bring you out onto a wide track. Turn right and follow this down through a gate and it’ll bring you out at a road crossing.

Take care crossing and go through the gate on the other side, signposted Longshaw. Follow the path, then bear right and head through the trees until you reach another gate. Go through here, across the road and through the open white gates.

Walk down the road, past the first fork in the road then turn left at the next which will bring you out at the Longshaw Cafe and Toilets. From here, walk across the bridge and back into the car park.

COMPASS POINTS

Distance: 4.8 miles/ 7.7km

Grid reference: SK 2663 8003

Map: OL1 & OL24 (only the start)

Difficulty: This route has a few challenging rocky sections where you may need to use your hands to navigate over the rocky parts. They are relatively short and the gritstone rock is lovely and grippy if you’re wearing appropriate footwear. The route has approximately 250m of ascent, and the highest point of the walk is 434m, so you’ll need to be prepared with the right clothing as the temperatures can be cooler higher up, especially on windy days.

Refreshments: Visit the Fox Inn pub which is close to the start of the walk and a perfect spot for delicious food, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Alternatively, you can stop in at the cafe in the Longshaw Estate, offering a wide selection of cakes, sandwiches and drinks.