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Curbar Edge is a surprisingly stunning spot just a stones throw from Sheffield and a great spot for a family walk in 2026. The Curbar edge walk starts at Curbar Gap. Walk along the top of Curbar edge enjoying views over the Derwent valley and moorlands. Check out an ancient stone circle and then follow a small beautiful woodland trail below Curbar edge back to Curbar Gap. Don’t miss the ULTIMATE guide to peak district family walks. If you have little ones we have also compiled a list of THE BEST Peak District walks with toddlers.
Curbar Edge map
Interactive map of Curbar Edge. Click the pins for more details.
Curbar Edge Walk Fast Facts
Suitability for families: This walk is suitable for families with children of all ages. With younger children (babies or toddlers) consider bringing a sling or backpack carrier. We would not recommend this route with a pram because of the stiles, gates and rocky terrain.
Difficulty: Easy
Route Type: Round walk
Distance: 5.7km / 3.5 miles
How long does it take to walk? : 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Highlights: Beautiful cliff views over Curbar and calver village
Start location: Curbar Gap car park: 53.26847, -1.60393
Terrain and Accessibility: Initial access to route is not wheelchair friendly. For a determined parent with a pram you could do a return walk along the path above Curbar Edge the but the loop would not be possible. If you are doing this with young children we strongly recommend taking a sling or backpack carrier. Not accessible for a typical wheel chair.
Getting there: Plentiful parking in the carpark and laybys. From Sheffield take bus number 218 from Moorhead (stop MH2). You can either get off the bus at Bar Brook Bridge and walk around 2km up Clodhall lane to Curbar Gap (start of the walk). Alternatively get of the 218 at Curbar village (Calver bridge stop) and walk up Curbar Hill road to Curbar Gap.
Food and drink: A van selling amazing coffees and snacks is situated at the carpark at the start of the walk. Bring food and water for the walk. If you are looking for a meal in the area check out the Derwent Water Arms and the Eyre Arms pubs.
What is parking like at Curbar Edge?
The best place to park to access Curbar Edge is the Curbar Gap car park. It costs £1.50 to park for 1 hour, £2.60 to park for 4 hours and £4.00 for all day parking. Parking is free for National Trust members and members of the RSPB. Unfortunately you cannot park on the roadside at Curbar Gap due to the double yellow lines. Be careful the Derbyshire police are always out and about looking for some extra pocket money! There are a few laybys where you can park for free on the side of the road. These are located around 300m from the carpark in the direction of Curbar village.
From the laybys it is easy to walk back up the road to the Curbar Gap carpark for the start of the walk. If you are visiting during a weekend or bank holiday we recommend arriving early to find a space in the laybys.
The Curbar Edge Round walk route
The walk starts at the small steps in the Curbar Gap car park. Grab a coffee from the little coffee van at the carpark. Climb the steps in the carpark, go left and follow the path round.
Go through the gate and follow the path along Curbar edge. There are several picnic spots in the area. Different paths and routes are well signposted.
There is a gate at the start of the path that leads up along Curbar edge.
To the left of the path the Curbar edge cliffs afford a great spot to get some insta shots. Take care as this section of the walk can be quite exposed and windy. The open moorland to your right is home to a beautiful array for flora and fauna. After around 1.3km the path forks. Take the left fork (a short section of steep downhill) and keep following the path.
After a further 1.3km there is a small stone circle to the right of the path. It is a little tricky to spot because some of the stones are small and can be covered in ferns.
From the stone circle walk a further 100m along the path keeping an eye open for the turning on the left. The turning is tricky to spot. It is a sharp left, almost back on yourself, and there are no sign posts. Furthermore, the left turn path is much less prominent than the main path. If you get to a gate in the main path, you have gone too far.
Once you have found the left turn, follow the path, and it will become more obvious that you have found the correct trail. You can see rocks and the Curbar cliffs up to your left. After around 300m on the trail you will come to a fork junction. Take the left fork (the high route) and keep following the path through the woodlands.
At one point the trail crosses another path, just keep going straight. After another hundred meters or so, you will see a gate ahead and a path leading up to the left. Take the path up to the left and keep following the trail.
At one point the path becomes a little overgrown and harder to follow. Keep going straight. Eventually you will emerge from the woodlands and you will be able to see Curbar edge up to your left and Curbar Gap and Baslow edge in front of you.
Eventually the path reaches the hairpin bend on Clodhall lane. Follow Clodhall lane approximately 500m up the hill back to the car park at Curbar Gap. Take care along this section as there is not a footpath by the road.
Wildlife and plants
This walk includes a section of path that runs alongside open moorland and a section of woodland trail. The flora and fauna varies throughout the year. Visit in August for purple heather. June/July are good seasons to see the ferns growing thickly in the area.
On this walk you may be able to see: purple heather, fox gloves, European ferns, wool grass, bilberry plants, hares, pheasants and grey squirrels.
A shorter round walk for Curbar Edge
If you are looking for a shorter round walk at Curbar Edge there is a 3km round route. The start of the walk is exactly the same as the longer 5.7km walk. Follow the path above Curbar Edge. When you see a fork in the path, go left down the trail (this is the same as the longer route). After a few hundred meters keep your eye out for a left turn. Take this left turn.
Follow this trail back along the bottom of curbar edge until you reach the road. When you reach the road turn left and follow the road back up to Curbar gap car park. This last section of the walk is the same as the long route.
Ways to extend the Curbar Edge walk
If you have more time and would like to walk further here are some great variations on the route:
Explore Froggatt edge (further north): Instead of looking for the left turn off the Curbar Edge footpath, keep following the path along the edge. You will find yourself walking above Froggatt edge. This is a very beautiful section of trail with woodlands and lovely view points off Froggatt edge.
Explore the Baslow edge (south). At the end of the Curbar Edge round walk, you can cross to the other side of Clodhall lane (opposite the car park). You will see a gate at the start of the Baslow edge path.
If you follow the trail along Baslow Edge you can get some great views of Chatsworth House from above. Follow the trail round past the woodland to see Wellington’s monument and the Eagle Stone.
To find out more about Curbar edge visit the Peak District official site for more info and inspiration
Other things to see and do near Curbar Edge
The Curbar Edge area is a top spot for climbing and bouldering. A few miles north of Curbar Edge you will find the beautiful Longshaw Estate a fantastic spot for family walks. Longshaw Estate is also right next to Padley Gorge another great spot for a family walk. Just a few miles from Curbar edge, Chatsworth is an epic stately home with beautiful gardens, a farm and a play park.
Around a 15 minute drive south of Curbar Edge you can visit Bakewell home of the world famous Bakewell puddings. If you love a good view point don’t miss the beautiful Bamford Edge with its stunning protruding rock – the perfect place for a Peak District insta shot and views over Lady Bower reservoir. If you are looking for more stunning Peak District edges don’t miss Stanage Edge and our guide How to get to the REAL Robin Hood’s cave at Stanage Edge.
And finally, it would be wrong not to mention the incredible Monsal dale waterfall – a stunning walk through a deep valley with a viaduct and impressive waterfall.
