Baslow Edge From Curbar Gap: 3 Mile Circular

There’s something special about the Baslow Edge circular from Curbar Gap — it’s one of those walks that feels both wild and welcoming at the same time. From the moment you set off along the gritstone ridge, the views open wide across the Derwent Valley, and you can’t help but slow down to take it all in.

It’s not a tough hike, but it has that perfect mix of space, solitude, and scenery that makes you fall in love with the Peaks all over again and for us it offers the ideal stress-lowering trail with minimum effort. The trail is both family-friendly and dog-friendly and could serve as a great introduction to walking for kids. Keep an eye out for the wildlife in the area such as the Highland cattle that are often in the area as well as deer. Also watch out for adders which are in the area (there is a sign along the trail) although usually shy they are poisonous.

There is limited free on-road parking (see what3words below) which is very close to the National Trust car park but with the popularity of the area these tend to fill up very early on so get there early. The National Trust car park is free for members or £6 a day for non-members (prices may vary from date of publishing) and is usually open from 9am-6pm daily.

Baslow Edge circular route description

Stage 1 – Heading to Baslow Edge

If you have parked in the Curbar Gap car park, head out of the car park and turn right, walk down the road and you will soon reach a footpath on your left. Turn left and through the gate, follow the path round and bear right. You will arrive at a viewing point where on a good day you can enjoy wonderful views. Keeping to the footpath from here you will reach Baslow Edge – an exposed rock formation. If you have parked in the free parking spaces a little bit down from the car park, you will need to head up the road where shortly you reach the footpath on your right and head through the gate.

Stage 2 – Wellington’s Monument and Highland cattle

Continue along the path, it sometimes disappears for brief spells but the route is still quite clear to follow with the edge to your right. Shortly the path turns to the left and you will soon reach a cross-roads — head straight ahead and you will arrive a Wellington’s Monument. The structure was installed to commemorate the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the battle of Waterloo. Continue along the path past the wooded area and then out into open land – somewhere along here you will likely see the Highland cattle (Highland Coos). As you reach the end of the path there is a gate and then a road crossing.

Stage 3 – Road crossing and beware of adders

As you pass through the gate, head across the road and through a second gate. Here you can read a sign that states adders (a protected species) are in the area and a series of tips to help protect them (such as keeping dogs on leads).

Follow the path across the land, this will eventually lead you to a fork – at this point follow the path to the right which heads uphill. At the time of our visit it was dry, however, being open land following wet weather this could be quite a muddy section.

At the top of the ascent you will reach a finger-post sign – take the path to the left here and follow it all the way back to the Curbar Gap car park.

Got the OS Map App? Follow the route by clicking the link below.

Where to eat and drink after walking Baslow Edge

Depending on which direction you are heading off in, there are a couple of options for some good pub food and drinks.

A two-minute drive away is The Bridge Inn at Calver in Hope Valley. Open 7-days a week and serving lunch between 12-4pm daily. You can also expect a Muddy Paws Menu for your four-legged friends – including sliced steak for £3.95.

The Grouse Inn at Froggatt is a family run 17th Century pub which is open from 12-8pm at weekends. Less than a 10-minute drive, expect great views, food and drink options including an ever-changing chef’s specials board that boasts meat, fish and vegetarian options.

⚠️ A Note of Caution – Baslow Edge from Curbar Gap
The walk across Baslow Edge is beautiful, but it comes with some real hazards. The gritstone edge has sheer drops in places — a slip near the edge could be very serious. Keep children and dogs well away from the cliffs.

You may also spot adders basking on warm days. They’re generally shy and avoid people, but they are venomous if disturbed — give them plenty of space.

Enjoy the views, but stay alert and treat the edge with respect.

Pics from the peaks: more images from Baslow Edge