Summary:

An enjoyable stroll in the Derwent Valley and Dark Peak area of the Peak District that takes in Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge before circling around and returning via White Edge. It’s a great one for the kids due to the many opportunities to scramble on the rocks.

Route Information

Route Description:

As my kids were visiting for a few days, I thought I’d take them for a day out to Curbar Edge for them to be able to enjoy a bit of climbing on the many gritstone outcrops and formations there. We parked at the National Trust car park right by the start of Curbar Edge, paid the four quid parking fee, and headed on up. Progress was slow to begin with as the kids insisted on getting the most fun out of every climbable rock that we passed along the way; however, they eventually realised that it would take them forever to complete my planned 6 mile route unless they started being a bit more selective. We found a selection of the best outcrops that would make good photos including the distinctive pinnacle stone, and made good use of them before eventually moving on to Froggatt Edge. To be honest, I’m not sure of the exact point that Curbar Edge ends and Froggatt Edge begins, and I guess it doesn’t really matter anyway as it’s really all the same edge. The views out from the edge over Derwent Valley are fantastic all the way along, and it makes the walk worthwhile even if you wen’t interested in playing on the rocks. The best little climb of the day was to be had on the Froggatt Pinnacle, which also happened to make (in my opinion) the best photo of the day.

Once at the end of Froggatt Edge, we had a brief foray into Hay Wood before crossing over the road at the Grouse Inn and heading up towards White Edge. The walk back along the edge was pleasant despite the fact that there wasn’t as much rock interest for the kids. White Edge seperates Big Moor on the left (east) and White Edge Moor on the right (west). The kids became rather excited at one point as they spotted deer down below on White Edge Moor. My eyes obviously aren’t what they used to be because I couldn’t see anything where they were pointing. We passed the White Edge trig point and had the obligatory trig point photos taken before eventually turning away and heading back towards the car park across some rather waterlogged grassy areas.

It was a pleasant walk with nothing too difficult and plenty of fun moments along the way. The kids had a good time so mission accomplished!

Walk completed on 17th February, 2017

Map and Elevation Data:

Useful Links

GPX file for the walk
Photo album on Flickr
A brief guide to Curbar Edge from Andy Hemingway

The post Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, and White Edge appeared first on Hill Explorer.