The Edges - Curbar Edge from Baslow Edge

The Edges

Walk supplied by Angela Clarke of Belper www.peakwalker.net

Start: Curbar Gap car park (SK 2624 7470) Limited free roadside parking.
 
Route: Curbar Gap car park - White Edge – Grouse Inn – Froggatt Edge – Curbar Edge – Curbar Gap car park

Map: Explorer OL 24: The Peak District White Peak Area

Distance: 5.5 miles   

Terrain: Good paths.

Refreshments: Grouse Inn. In summer afternoons there is usually an ice cream van in the car park.

Toilets: None. There are toilets at the Grouse Inn but you must be a customer to use them.

Curbar Edge from Baslow Edge
This is a gentle walk that takes in White, Froggatt and Curbar Edges and is a firm favourite of mine. If, like me, you like to enjoy your walks without too many people around try to do this walk during the week and set out as early as possible. Having walked the route many times I have chosen to do it in an anti-clockwise direction because I think this way round the views are much better.

Take the gate to the left of the car park entrance and follow the obvious path straight ahead.
When the wall on your left ends the path splits, continue straight ahead. The path takes you across moorland towards White Edge, the ridge that is dominating the view ahead of you.

Descend to a wooden bridge and then climb again following the wall, which is now to your left.
When the wall turns left follow it taking the signed and clear path to White Edge.

You soon reach the summit of White Edge, which is marked by a trig point. Although the trig point is only just off the main path it is worth visiting as from there you get the best views across Big Moor away to your right.
Follow the easy path for two miles along the top of White Edge. Immediately below is Stoke Flat whilst the distant views are dominated by Win Hill to the left and Higger Tor to the right. As you walk along the ridge Stanage Edge will also come into view.

Eventually the path will come to a wall. Having gone through the gap in the wall turn left (signed Grouse Inn) and follow it downhill.

After a short rocky section you reach the edge of a small wood. Ignore the signed bridleway coming in on the right and continue downhill, through the wood, to reach a gate.

Having gone through the gate and negotiated the often very wet ground by it, head across the field to the gate, on the left, which is closest to the pub.

Turn left and remaining on this side of the road, unless of course you wish to visit the Grouse Inn, follow the road downhill. This can be a busy road but the wide grass verges make it relatively safe to walk along.

Just after passing a parking area/lay-by, on the left hand side of the road, take the gate on the left to follow the signed public footpath.

Follow the clear track uphill, through the wood, to another gate shortly after which the views open up again. Below you are the villages of Grindleford and Curbar. Across the valley Longstone Edge the limestone edge that has recently been saved from destruction by quarrying is visible.

The route is now obvious as you follow the path along the top of the edges until you meet the metal gate at the far end of the edges.

Whilst you can easily stick to the main path the best views of the edges are gained by following the narrow and at times vague path, which ventures closer to the edge of the rocks. As there is a steep drop below do take care and keep young children under close supervision.

This area is popular with climbers and scramblers so please be careful not to dislodge anything or allow children to throw things over the edge, as there could be someone on the rocks below you.

Even if you don’t follow the edge path do make sure you head across the rocks to the edge as you approach the end of the path to enjoy the view of Baslow Edge. At the metal gate turn left to return to the car park.

We have taken reasonable steps to ensure that this walk is safe and achievable by walkers of a realistic level of fitness. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any injuries caused to readers whilst following the walk. Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear.