Stanage Edge & Burbage from Hathersage, Peak District
Guided Walking in the Peak District
A lovely guided group walk from the village of Hathersage, Derbyshire.
Maximum group size - 8 people
The walk starts off fairly gently along a track and through fields heading out of Hathersage with great views up towards Stanage Edge. Stanage, meaning "Stone Edge", is a 5 km long gritstone escarpment famous for climbing. The walk then leaves the valley, passing through woods before climbing about 200 m (600 ft) to the top of Stanage Edge.
We walk along the top of Stanage Edge, following a medieval packhorse route, taking in the great views and watching people climbing. We'll keep a careful look out for something fairly unusual along this route, numbered grouse troughs carved into the rock. Part way along the edge we also have the option of taking a look at Robin Hood's Cave, hidden in the face of the cliffs. We continue walking until we reach the trig point at a height of 457 m which signals that the main climb of the walk is now behind us.
From here we continue walking to Burbage and visit it's ancient hill fort of Carl Wark. From Burbage we can take a quick stop at the Longshaw Estate before starting our journey back to Hathersage. Finally we walk over Hathersage Moor and then through fields and a lovely beech wood as we descend into Hathersage to finish the walk.
Walk Details
Meet: Hathersage main car park, Oddfellows Road at 08:45 for an 09:00 start
Grade: Moderate
Length: 17km/10.5 miles
Height Gain: 500m/1500ft
Price: £49
Terrain
The walk includes a mixture of good tracks and smaller footpaths and one fairly long hill up to Stanage Edge from Hathersage, a climb of about 200 m (600 ft). At any time of year there could be some muddy sections. On top of Stanage Edge the path becomes rougher as we approach the trig point, the last part of which includes some optional clambering around on the rocks to reach the trig point. The paths over Burbage pass over a couple of rocky outcrops which involve some care whilst walking down and around the rocks. The remainder of the walk is on good paths, with a couple of short steeper descents towards the end.
Recommended Equipment & Clothing
Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans as they can be cold if wet).
Waterproof jacket.
Waterproof trousers.
Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick).
Walking boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in boggy/muddy areas). No Trainers.
Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny.
Food, drink and snacks for the day. We will have a couple of food stops whilst out on the hill.
Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief and any personal medication).
Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag.
Money for parking and/or cafe
Hand sanitiser and face covering recommended A face mask/covering does not need to be worn, however whilst virus levels remain high it would be recommended in emergency situations to help protect people whilst providing first aid or assistance, or when entering busy cafes and toilet areas.
Optional additions: camera, gaiters and/or walking poles if you have them.