Burbage Edge, Padley Gorge and Higgor Tor
Peak District
After seeing so many beautiful pictures and posts from Padley Gorge, we have finally decided to discover this amazing part of Peak District.
Padley Gorge route that Hike and Travel created is a circular walk from Upper Burbage Bridge car park, close to Stanage Edge. Walking Stanage Edge I’ve seen the great edge and wanted to go there someday.
The hike starts from the Upper Burbage Bridge car park which has few spaces and it’s free. It was very windy that day but we were lucky to have some sunny spells brightening up our day.
The rocky terrain is quite similar to Stanage Edge and the views are really great looking toward Carl Wark and Burbage South Valley.
Carl Wark, an ancient fortification from Dark Age, rises out of the boggy centre of Hathersage Moor. The area full of historical value and mysteries is perfect place for walking and rock climbing.
After couple of miles the next leg of the route was through the Longshaw Estate - National Trust.
The estate is a combination of area of moors, meadows and woodlands, with trails, a visitors' center and a cafe.
The entire zone is filled with the round mill stone.
Walking through the woodland the smell of wood and birds singing was so relaxing, a great nature therapy.
The walk within the National Trust finished at B6251 road, near Grindleford Station. The Padley Gorge Trail starts/ ends near the station through the woodland.
The Padley Gorge, a deep, narrow valley is famous for it’s scenic brook. Once we’ve reached to the bridge we decided it’s the best place to take a break and enjoy our lunch listening the water flow.
After a good chicken mayo sandwich and a well deserved tea we continued out walk along the brook towards the waterfall.
When we stepped out of the forest we took left towards Owler Tor.
From the Surprise View Car Park on A6187 we ascended through a birch woodland and more millstones.
When you get to the top of the Edge the view is actually surprisingly beautiful. It also looks like Mother Cap, this strange but interesting stone is looks after the entire area.
Taking a deep breath in and enjoying the views near Mother Cap. I was surprised by the views and the entire journey was a liberating experience.
I am keep saying walking is free and many of us should be doing it more often as it does help with mental health. Walking makes me happy and free and it has become a habit for me.
The final leg of the journey is a rocky muddy path towards Higger Tor, opposite to Burbage Edge. Higger Tor or Higgar Tor is a gritstone tor in the Dark Peak, in the north of the Peak District National Park. It overlooks the Burbage Valley and the Iron Age hill fort of Carl Wark to the southeast.
The 8.5 miles route was a fantastic walk and you can watch the summary of our hike in the video below.
