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A Burbage Edge walk is the perfect way to explore the stunning Burbage valley in 2025. The Burbage Edge is a super fun location for Peak District walks. There are rocks for scrambling and exploring around Higger Tor, an ancient fort called Carl Wark, a small Roman Bridge and epic views. Burbage valley is also home to many sites of archaeological interest including ancient burial mounds, settlements and cairns. If you have time there is a great local pub called Fox House located at the south side of Burbage valley. If you’re exploring the stunning Peak District make sure you check out our full guide of Peak District family walks and the Peak District walks with toddlers.
Burbage Edge walk everything you need to know
Having been brought up in the area we are super exited about sharing this one with you…
Burbage Edge walk route map
Interactive map of the Burbage Edge walk. Click on the pins for more details.
Burbage Edge Walk Fast Facts
Suitability for family: The Burbage edge walk is a great walk for families with children of any age. Several sections of this walk are quite exposed and often windy. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather. This walk is not suitable for prams – we recommend bringing a sling or carrier if your child is not able to walk.
Difficulty: Easy
Route Type: Valley round walk
Distance: 5km / 3miles
How long does it take to walk? 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Highlights: Higger tor summit, rocks for scrambling around Higger tor, Carl Wark, the Roman Bridge, Burbage edge view and upper burbage bridge.
Best time to visit: Parking at the Burbage edge walk can be busy during weekends and peak times. We recommend arriving early at peak times to get a parking spot. Higger tor is a stunning spot for a sunrise if you are able to get out there early enough.
Start location: There are several possible starting locations for the Burbage Edge walk depending on parking availability. The best starting location for this walk is at the Upper Burbage Bridge car park GPS coordinates: 53.34321, -1.61041. There are some other starting locations if there is no parking available at this car park (see the map below)
Terrain and Accessibility: The Burbage Edge walk has some pretty tricky terrain. Rocky paths with some sections of scrambling. Some sections of the path near Carl Wark can be boggy.
Getting there: There are no public transport options to the Upper Burbage Bridge car park. However you can take a bus from Sheffield along the A625 (Hathersage road) and get off at Fox House to start the walk from Burbage valley South.
Food and drink: The best food and drink option near Burbage edge walk is the Fox House pub. You can also find cafes and restaurants in the nearby Hathersage village.
What is parking like for the Burbage Edge walk?
Parking can be busy at peak times so we recommend arriving early to get a spot. There are also several alternative parking spots around Burbage valley: you can park in a layby at the bottom of Higger tor but this spot often gets busy. Alternatively park on the Dale (slightly further away) and then walk across the fields to start the walk at Higger tor. There is also road side parking available near Fox House and the Fox House pub has a car park.
The Burbage Edge walk route
The lovely Burbage Edge walk starts at Upper Burbage bridge car park. From the car park follow the path that leads up towards Higger Tor. This section is around 1km and ends with a steady ascent to the top of Higger Tor. You should see burbage valley down to your left as you walk along this trail. When you reach the top of higger tor follow the path across the summit. Where the path forks go left and keep following the path to the edge of Higger tor. When you reach the edge of Higger tor there is a step section of path that leads down into the Burbage valley. Ahead of you you will see a rocky formation protruding, this is Carl Wark, an Iron age fort.
Keep walking towards Carl Wark. When you join a larger path go right on the path and walk in the direction of Carl Wark. Just before you reach Carl Wark there is a path that branches off to the left and leads down to the river in the bottom of the valley. Follow this path. Be aware that some sections of the path can be boggy. We recommend good footwear of this walk. Eventually that path should lead down to a small Roman bridge crossing the river. Cross the bridge and follow the path up the other side of the valley until you hit a larger path. When you reach this path go left and follow the path up the valley towards Upper Burbage Bridge. If you would like to walk along the top of burbage edge watch out for a right turn off the main path. This turn leads up to the top of Burbage Edge, great for views. Both paths lead up the valley and back to the car park at Upper Burbage Bridge.
Ways to extend the Burbage Edge walk
If the 5km Burbage Edge walk isn’t enough walking, there are lots of ways to extend this walk. When you reach the main path below burbage edge you could turn right and start to walk down the valley. At the bottom of the valley, if you cross the road you will find yourself in Padley Gorge.
Alternatively you could extend this walk by exploring Stannage Edge. To get up to Stanage Edge just cross the road at the Upper Burbage bridge car park and look for the trail leading up to Stanage Edge (it is near the bend in Ringinglow Road). And if you’re on Stanage Edge we have made a guide to help you find the exact location of the real Robin Hood’s cave.
A less common route is to cross Burbage moors (above Burbage Edge) and walk towards Lady Cannings plantation and Ringinglow village. In this direction you get some epic views over Sheffield.
Other things to see and do near Burbage Edge
Burbage Edge is a stones throw from Fox house and Stannage Edge. If you get to Stanage Edge don’t miss the REAL Robin Hood’s cave (be aware you need to be able to do a little rock climbing to get into the cave itself). Padley Gorge and the Longshaw Estate. If you LOVE amazing Peak District edges Bamford Edge is fantastic for panoramic views! Hathersage village is also close to Burbage edge – if you have time check out the Hathersage Bird Cafe and stepping stones. Furher afield you can get to Ladybower reservoir, Castleton and Edale.
If you are after a country pub, check out the Fox House at the south of Burbage Valley
Too keep up with local news and events check out the Peak District official site.
Top tip: Using our route maps. Click the pins for more details. If you click on the map it will take you to Google Maps. Enable your location to see your location and follow the route. We do recommend that you keep an eye on the paths and terrain around you and only use your phone to check your navigation.
