Burbage Rocks & Higger Tor Circular Walk

Route overview

If you're looking for one of the best walks in the Peak District, this spectacular Burbage Rocks & Higger Tor Circular Walk delivers dramatic gritstone edges.

Follow the route

If you’re looking for one of the best walks in the Peak District, this spectacular Burbage Rocks & Higger Tor Circular Walk delivers dramatic gritstone edges, peaceful woodland, sweeping moorland, hidden valleys and some of the finest panoramic views in the National Park.

🗺️ Interactive Route Map

Explore the full route below, zoom in on key landmarks and plan your adventure before setting off.

Overview of the Peak District Walk

Starting from Longshaw Estate, this varied circular route takes you through beautiful National Trust countryside before climbing onto the famous Burbage Rocks, where climbers, photographers and walkers come together to enjoy one of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes.

Along the way you’ll visit the impressive Higger Tor, discover the mysterious remains of Carl Wark Hillfort, follow bubbling streams through Burbage Valley and enjoy incredible viewpoints across the Dark Peak.

Whether you’re visiting for sunrise, autumn colours or a crisp winter walk, this is a route that never disappoints.

Recommended Walking Gear

• 🥾 Waterproof Walking Boots
• 🧦 Merino Walking Socks
• 🎒 Lightweight Daypack
• 🧥 Waterproof Jacket
• 🥤 Insulated Water Bottle
• 🥾 Walking Poles

Walk Highlights

✅ Burbage Rocks

✅ Higger Tor summit

✅ Carl Wark Iron Age Hillfort

✅ Longshaw Estate woodland

✅ Panoramic Peak District views

✅ Heather-covered moorland

✅ Dramatic gritstone edges

✅ Excellent wildlife spotting

Distance: 6 miles (9.7 km)

Time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: Woodland paths, estate tracks, rocky trails, open moorland and one optional rocky scramble.

Elevation: Approx. 280 metres

Start / Finish: Longshaw Estate Woodcroft Car Park

Postcode: S11 7TZ

Dog Friendly: Yes (keep dogs under close control around livestock and ground-nesting birds)

Pushchairs: No

Wheelchairs: Not suitable

Places to Stay in the Peak District

Recommended First Aid & Health Essentials

• 🩹 Compact First Aid Kit
• 🦶 Blister Plasters (Compeed or Similar)
• 🧴 Anti-Chafing Stick
• 🧼 Antiseptic Wipes
• 🦟 Insect Repellent
• ☀️ SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Route Overview

A) Longshaw Estate

Begin at the National Trust’s beautiful Longshaw Estate, where peaceful woodland and open parkland provide a gentle introduction before the landscape opens into classic Peak District scenery.

B) Carl Wark

Your first major landmark is the ancient hillfort of Carl Wark, believed to date back over 2,000 years.

Its stone walls still crown the rocky hill, and although archaeologists continue to debate its origins, it remains one of the Peak District’s most fascinating historical sites.

C) Higger Tor

Continue climbing to Higger Tor, one of the best viewpoints in the Peak District.

From the summit you’ll enjoy spectacular views across:

• Burbage Valley
• Stanage Edge
• Ladybower area
• Longshaw Estate
• Dark Peak moorland

It’s a fantastic place to stop for photographs.

D) Burbage Valley

Descend into the peaceful Burbage Valley where the small stream winds through open moorland surrounded by towering gritstone cliffs.

During late summer the surrounding heather turns vibrant purple, creating one of the Peak District’s most photogenic landscapes.

E) Burbage Rocks

Soon you’ll reach the famous Burbage Rocks.

Stretching for hundreds of metres, these dramatic gritstone edges are popular with climbers but equally impressive for walkers.

There are countless viewpoints where you can safely admire the scenery across the valley below.

F) Return via Longshaw

The final section follows quieter estate paths back through Longshaw’s ancient woodland before returning to the visitor centre and car park.

Best Place to Park

Longshaw Estate Woodcroft Car Park

📍 Postcode: S11 7TZ

National Trust parking charges apply unless you’re a National Trust member.

Alternative parking is available near Upper Burbage Bridge, although spaces can fill quickly on sunny weekends.

Facilities

✔ Visitor Centre

✔ Public toilets

✔ Café

✔ Picnic areas

✔ National Trust shop

Best Time to Visit

This walk is beautiful all year round, but particularly stunning during:

🌸 Spring wildflowers

☀ Summer heather

🍂 Autumn woodland colours

❄ Frosty winter mornings with clear mountain views

Early mornings are especially peaceful before the crowds arrive.

Top Tips

🥾 Wear sturdy walking boots as some sections become muddy after rain.

📸 Bring a camera — sunrise and sunset create incredible light across Burbage Rocks.

🌬 The exposed tops can be windy even on warm days, so pack an extra layer.

🥪 Higger Tor is one of the best picnic spots on the route.

🐦 Keep an eye out for curlews, skylarks and birds of prey over the moorland.

🧗 If you’re visiting Burbage Rocks, be aware that climbers may be using the crags.

Nearby Attractions

• Stanage Edge
• Padley Gorge
• Ladybower Reservoir
• Surprise View
• Hathersage
• Mam Tor
• Castleton

? FAQs

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