Stanage Edge: 5 Mile Circular Route
Easy-Moderate
2-3 hours
4.8 miles (7.7km)
This Stanage Edge five mile circular from Hollins Bank is a glorious Peak District walk, on a good day offering stunning views. From the moment you step onto the moor, there’s a feeling of space and freedom that is synonymous with hiking in the Dark Peak. The route climbs gently up to Stanage Edge, a nearly four mile-long ridge of gritstone rock that proves popular with climbers, walkers, and photographers alike.
Along the top of the ridge, the Hope Valley stretches out below and you can see all the way across to Win Hill and Kinder Scout on a clear day. The path follows the edge for a while, winding past ancient millstones and rocky outcrops, before looping back through quiet moorland tracks and open fields.
It’s a walk that’s short enough for an afternoon, but rich in everything that makes the Peaks special: big views, big skies, and a sense of calm that makes it the perfect stress-lowering trail. Easy to navigate –good paths with some rocky and uneven sections along the edge. There is a gentle climb at the start but nothing too strenuous.
🌤️ Know Before You Go 🌤️
- Car Park: Hollin Bank car park (S32 1BR)
- What3Words: ///lows.spicy.curry
- Public Transport: Driving is the best option, closest train station is Hathersage in Hope Valley, followed by a 50-minute walk.
- Elevation Gain: 207m
- Terrain: Uneven, muddy, rocky, stone steps and some stiles
- Public Toilets: Yes – located close to the car park
- Family friendly: Yes but not for pushchairs due to uneven rocky and muddy terrain
- Dog Friendly: Yes – bring enough water especially on hot days and on a lead at all times
- Scramble Grade: None
- Met Office Mountain Forecasts
- Mountain Weather Information Service
🥾 Essential Kit 🥾
- Good quality, well fitting walking boots/shoes
- 20-30L rucksack
- Gloves, hat, neck gaitor/snood
- Map, compass, and head torch (spare batteries)
- Emergency First Aid Kit (foil blanket, whistle, plasters)
- Additional layers of clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- At least 2 litres of water
- Hiking poles (optional)
❄️ Additional Winter Kit ❄️
- Hiking poles with ice fittings
- Waterproof hat and gloves
- Crampons/Ice Axe
- Dry bags
- Extra food and water
- Sun protection
- Emergency shelter such as a survival or bivi bag
- A more comprehensive First Aid Kit
Stanage Edge 5 mile circular route description
Stage 1 – Hollin Bank car park to High Neb
Leave the car park to the rear where a stony/muddy path leads upwards to a timber gate accessing a woodland area. As you continue through the woodland there are stone steps and you arrive at a second timber gate. From here continue the climb uphill onto the top of Stanage Edge and turn left. The views from here are amazing on a clear day. Continue along Stanage Edge, shortly the path forks, be sure to keep to the right. Follow the path along for nearly a mile (1.5km) to High Neb.
Stage 2 – High Neb to Hollin Bank car park
From High Neb continue along the path which eventually leads you to Stanage End (the end of Stanage Edge). From here take a left down to another footpath and then left again onto the path. The main path is the one closest to Stanage Edge, however, for this walk we detoured from the path and followed a different path down and back to our car as we had parked further down the road from Hollin Bank car park. The path closest to Stanage Edge will lead you a wooden stile, climb over the stile and continue uphill to the fork you took a right at earlier on the walk. Shortly after the fork take the right turn and follow the path back to the car park.
🧭 Safety & Tips
Wind exposure: Stanage Edge is open and often windy — bring layers and be cautious near the cliff edge, especially in gusty weather.
Footing: The path along the ridge can be rocky and uneven; sturdy walking boots make a big difference.
Weather: Conditions can change quickly on the moor — check the forecast before setting out and take a map or GPS for the return loop.
Parking: The Hollins Bank car park (near Hook’s Car) fills up quickly on weekends; arrive early or later in the day for a quieter walk.
Dogs: Great for dogs that are confident on rocky ground, but keep them close near the edge and during nesting season.
Where to eat and drink after walking Stanage Edge
The Scotsman’s Pack is a dog-friendly country pub with en-suite bedrooms located in beautiful Derbyshire village of Hathersage — approximately a 6 minute drive from Hollin Bank car park. Serving breakfast from 8:30-11am Monday to Saturday and 8:30-10am on Sunday’s. A full English will cost around £12.50 or around £6 for a bacon or sausage sandwich for smaller appetites (vegan options available). Enjoy home-cooked meals from their main menu with a selection of bar snacks on offer also (including a Black Pudding Scotch egg – £6). Mains range from £16-£21 or locally sourced steaks are available; 8oz rump (£26) or 10oz ribeye (£32). There are sandwich options available from Monday to Saturday served from 12-5pm. The Sunday lunch menu has lamb rump (£30), pork belly (£18), roast chicken (18) or a duo of beef (£20) to choose from. There is also a roasted cauliflower steak (£18) option. *Prices and options are subject to change*
The Robin Hood is a family and dog-friendly pub (children under eight eat for free) that is located in the village of Baslow (approximately a 20-25 minute drive away from Hollin Bank car park). Expect to pay between £7-£9 for a starter, £12-£25 for a main (a Derbyshire ribeye steak will cost around £30). Desserts cost between £6-£8. There are sandwich options available as well; served from 12-5pm. Sunday lunch options are striploin of beef (£20), loin of pork (£18), roast chicken (£18), leg of lamb (£22) or a trio of meats (beef, pork and chicken £26). There is also a Mediterranean Wellington option (£17). A children’s menu is also available with prices ranging from £7-£8 and a Sunday roast option (£8). *Prices and options are subject to change*
Pics from the peaks: more from Stanage Edge
