Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, White Edge & Baslow Edge

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Route: Curbar Gap, Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, Stoke Flat, White Edge, Big Moor, Swine Sty, Bar Brook, Wellington's Monument, Basloe Edge, Curbar Gap

Date: 30/12/2017
From: Curbar Gap

Parking: Curbar Gap
Start Point: Curbar Gap
Region: Peak District - Dark Peak

Route length: 7.4 miles (11.9 km)
Time taken: 02:59
Average speed: 2.5 mph
Ascent: 254m
Descent: 256m

Summits: White Edge (Big Moor) (366m)

Other points of interest: Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, Baslow Edge, Wellington's Monument

I've been spending some more time in the Peak District recently, exploring some new areas in the north of the national park. Today I'd be above the village of Froggatt on Curbar Edge and the neighbouring Froggatt edge. Additionally, the trip would take in White Edge and the small Baslow Edge for an ideal day out in the Dark Peak.

These edges are quieter than the illustrious Stanage Edge but are no less spectacular and command fine views over the Derwent Valley below. The hike begins at the car park at Curbar Gap - it's not large so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

The beginnings of Curbar Edge

Curbar Gap

The magnificent Curbar Edge

From the car park, the route joins the southern end of Curbar Edge and immediately the ground below the edge begins to fall away. The benefit of the Curbar Gap car park is that it starts almost level with the edge so no need to climb to get up to it.

Curbar Gap and Baslow Edge from Curbar Edge

Baslow Edge

Easy walking along the top of Curbar Edge

The interest along the edge is immediate with a series of prominent outcrops and pinnacles drawing attention.

Pinnacles on Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge and the Derwent Valley

Mists and rain swirl over Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge

The Derwent Valley

Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge

The walking is easy and Curbar Edge becomes Froggatt Edge, which is less dramatic as many parts are heavily wooded. The path descends gently through the woods to reach the A6245, which can be busy. Various unsigned paths link Curbar Edge to the surrounding moorland one, in particular, leading to the Grouse Inn. I, however, decided it best to try and cross the open moorland to reach White Edge - this was a mistake.

Froggatt Edge from Curbar Edge

The beginnings of Froggatt Edge

The path winds between some interesting rocks

Woods on Froggatt Edge

Froggatt Edge

Grindleford

The northern end of Froggatt Edge

Stoke Flat leading towards White Edge

After an encouraging start, the path petered out leaving me to make up my own route. Things were going well until I reached a very wet, marshy section with no obvious way around. I think you can guess what happens next.

I emerged on the other side having ended up nearly waist-deep in what can only be described as a small lake. Luckily, other than wet legs and feet no harm was done, particularly to my phone which had been in my trouser pocket. Things could have been much wetter had I not been wearing a pair of gaiters.

Views to a distant Hope Valley

I clambered up onto White Edge, thankful that no one had been watching my off-piste escapades (at least I hope so) and continued on my way. White Edge spans the western side of Big Moor, above the more dramatic Curbar and Froggatt Edges below. While it lacks the sheer cliffs of a traditional Peak District edge, it does have a trig pillar that has to be visited.

Eyam Moor

White Edge

White Edge

White Edge

Big Moor

Big Moor trig pillar

White Edge above Stoke Flat

At the end of White Edge you have a choice, return to Curbar Gap following the edge of a small area of private land or head towards Swine Sty to extend the walk, as I did.

Stones at Swine Sty

Path towards Blake Brook

Looking back to White Edge

Though not marked, a path does lead to the road at Bar Brook, allowing access to the bridleway above Sheffield Road. This bridleway, with a liberal sprinkling of Highland Cows, leads to Wellington's Monument.

Bridleway

Field sculpture

An old milepost stands on the route

Detail of the carving on the milepost

The monument is formed of a cross on a square gritstone pedestal founded on a natural rock outcrop, with an inscription on the arms of the cross. It is a war memorial commemorating the life of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (of Waterloo fame).

Wellington's Monument

Wellington's Monument

Wellington's Monument

Wellington's Monument

From Wellington's Monument, the path swings round past the Eagle Stone and joins the southern end of Baslow Edge. The views south from the edge are superb, right along the valley of the River Derwent which was shining in the low sun. That said, the wind had really picked up and taking a steady photo was starting to get tricky.

Derwent Valley

Eagle Stone

Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge and Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge

Curbar Edge and the Derwent Valley

Baslow Edge

Curbar Edge

The northern end of Baslow Edge has a fine view of Curbar Edge which was now teeming with people. By the time I returned to the car park it was clear that the spaces had filled up quickly and a number of people were trying to get parked with little success. I had planned on having a quick lunch break in the car but felt obliged to relinquish my space for the next adventure seekers.

Curbar Edge