This 22-mile Peak District hiking route is the perfect long-distance trail that links up 9 of the most popular of the Peak District’s edges. This walk combines easy and undulating but non technical walking terrain with panoramic views across the Peak District. Read the full guide and download the route to this Peak District hiking challenge beginning at Derwent Reservoir and ending at Birchen Edge.

At a Glance

Difficulty: Moderate - the walking is on easy, well-maintained paths but the distance and overall elevation can make this route more difficult if not fully prepared for a long day

Distance: 36.5km/22.7miles

Total Ascent: 994m

Est Time: 10-11hrs depending on walking speed and rest stops 

Starting location: Fairholmes Car Park, Upper Derwent Visitor Centre, S33 0AQ

Facilities: Public toilets at Fairholmes Car Park, toilets and cafe at Longshaw Estate part way round and a pub at the end of the route. 

Dog friendly: Yes - if they are OK with that distance but beware of livestock and ground nesting birds

Important logistics for the 9 Edges Challenge

This is a linear route so unless you’re getting a taxi or relying on public transport, you’ll need to also have access to a vehicle at the end of the route near Birchen Edge. Therefore, some planning needs to be considered prior to attempting the route. 

You'll also need to use some form of navigation for this route as it is not signposted. You can find both the Ordnance Survey and Komoot downloadable routes below. 

This is a long hike so you want to make sure your clothing choices will keep you comfortable throughout. A good quality pair of leggings or shorts that are stretchy and don't restrict you are a great choice. Check out both the Trailblazer leggings and Trailblazer shorts form My Urban Trail. 

Peak District 9 edges hiking challenge route info

The walk starts from Fairholmes Car Park at Derwent Reservoir where there is ample parking. From here, the route begins gently heading past Derwent Dam and through the wooded banks of Derwent Reservoir. 

Edge 1: Derwent Edge

After around 20 minutes, the path heads right, away from the reservoir, and up through Hancock Wood for the first uphill section of the route. This is a long uphill and winds up onto Derwent Edge, giving panoramic views of the reservoir behind you. 

The high point of Back Tor comes into view and it can seem like it's a long way off but it's quick walking (although a bit boggy after rain) and you'll soon find yourself walking the paved path leading straight to the trig point of Back Tor. This trig sits at 538m and is the high point of Derwent Edge. 

The views here are panoramic and Derwent Edge spreads out infront of you. From here, the path is clear and obvious and with the worst of the uphill now over, the path here leads you on a flat-ish stomp across the rest of Derwent Edge.  

This is a beautiful section along Derwent Moor and is one of the longest edges of this hiking challenge. Enjoy the rock formations dominating the edge as well as views down to Ladybower Reservoir. Eventually, the route heads away from the reservoir and down towards Moscar House. At the main road, cross straight over and then immediately turn right uphill to meet the road further down. This section avoids some road walking and is a nicer option leading you onto the long path up onto Stanage Edge. 

Edge 2 - Stanage Edge 

Stanage Edge is a popular place in the Peak District and you’ll likely meet many other hikers and climbers here. It has two trig points to bag, a cave to explore and gives beautiful views over the Dark Peak moorlands.

The route follows the edge on the obvious path with a stop over at Robin Hood’s Cave worth a quick look. It’s marked on the map so you’ll need to use some simple nav skills for this one. Look for the obvious gap in the edge with a path leading down to the cave which sits in the cliff face under the edge. This is thought to be the place where Robin Hood hid to evade capture from the authorities. 

After leaving the cave, the route continues back along the edge before dropping gently down towards the main road. At the main road, cross to begin your walk on the next two edges; Upper and Lower Burbage.

Edges 3 and 4: Upper and Lower Burbage Rocks 

Overlooking the village of Hathersage, Burbage Rocks is one edge split into two sections; the upper rocks and the lower rocks. Burbage Moor stretches out behind it and this is another popular climbing location. This section is the shortest so far, over some rocky terrain and is a great place to stop, rest and have some snacks. You're on quite open land here and even on a nice day the wind can pick up; be sure to wrap up warm in something like a packable jacket. It will keep you warm and won't take up too much space in your bag when you don't need it. 

You'll be forgiven for feeling cheated out of an edge here; I know I did as both edges combined are short and not overly exciting. Before you know it, the route is once again heading down to the main road in the distance to take you into the Longshaw Estate. 

The Longshaw Estate

Owned and managed by the National Trust, the Longshaw Estate is a beautiful area of moorland, woodland, rivers and farmland and has some excellent walking trails. However, your experience here will be a fleeting one. The cafe and toilet facilities will be a welcome sight here and after stocking up on ice cream, cold drinks, cakes and snacks, the track through the estate leads you straight out and onto the main road. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer here; we saw a herd right by the main track! 

Follow the road for a few short minutes before heading down the back of the Grouse Inn towards the woodland and the start of Froggatt Edge.

Edge 5 - Froggatt Edge

After a short section of woodland walking, you’ll pop out onto Froggatt Edge which forms part of a larger series of edges you're going to be crossing. This is a great place to enjoy the afternoon sun and watch the climbers with beautiful views of the Derwent Valley.

The walking over the next few edges is easy and flat but be sure to take the higher path here. It leads directly up to the large, flat edge where the views are incredible. Follow the path along to Curbar Edge which you can see in the distance. 

Edge 6 - Curbar Edge

Before you know it, you’ll already be on the next edge; Curbar Edge. This is a great place to spot deer as there are wide views across Big Moor. The main path isn’t too far from the cliff edge and there are plenty of rocky outcrops and rock towers to enjoy along this section.

Again, this is a short edge and the path descends to the road, with a path directly opposite leading you onto Baslow Edge. 

Edge 7 - Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge is a popular edge in the Peak District mainly for the Highland Cows that can often be spotted here. Although saying that, I've been here three times now and never seen them! The edge is a short one (again) so you’ll be at the end of this before you realise and the path gradually veers away from the cliff edge.

Where the path ends you want to keep right before then taking a sharp left to follow the path that descends down through the woodland. It's a good idea to check your map/route here as it's easy to go wrong and add on unecessary steps. The path descends quickly and you'll cross a river via an old bridge before crossing over the main road to the path immediately opposite. You’re now on the home stretch with just two edges left!

Edge 8 - Gardom's Edge

Gardom’s Edge is like something out of a fairy wonderland. In the setting sun, the golden rays bounce off the trees, moss and rocks creating a beautiful setting. This area is always quiet and peaceful and as the path meanders through the woodland you’ll quickly find yourself heading left up the hillside just behind Gardom’s Edge.

You’ll only be on this edge briefly (although the actual edge isn't where the path is so again, you might feel a bit cheated here) before heading off to the right. Following the path through the woodlands you'll see Birchen Edge, towering infront of you. This is a welcome sight because by now, you're going to be feeling tired, with achy legs and feet and ready for the end of the challenge. 

Edge 9 - Birchen Edge

Birchen Edge looms high above you and the path up through the rocky outcrop leads you right to the trig point at the closest end. This marks the beginning of your final edge on the challenge (woohoo!) and depending on the time of the year you choose to do this walk, its likely that you’ll get to enjoy a beautiful sunset from here. 

After getting a photo with the final trig point, the final edge stretches out in front of you and you’ll pass Nelson’s Monument, a 3m high column. This monument was built in 1810 in honour of Lord Nelson and slightly further on, you'll pass a large rocky outcrop with the names of three of Nelson's ships carved into them. 

The path continues on the edge before descending down the steep path to the base. This section is steep and caution is needed here however, there is also a path just after Nelson’s Monument that you can use for an easier descent if preferred.  

Soon, you’ll hear the noise of the main road and pass through a gate to lead you to The Robin Hood Inn, the car park where you’ve likely left a vehicle to get you back to the start, and is a welcome sight to end your 22 (and a bit) mile challenge. 

Peak District 9 Edges Hiking Challenge downloadable map and route

Download the Ordnance Survey route and map here. 

Komoot App

Have you ever tried Komoot? Komoot allows you to access routes planned by others or plan your own which you can then download to your phone to follow while you are out. Komoot is free to join and access and you can find the route for his walk here.

How long is the 9 Edges hiking challenge?

This is a long day reaching just under 36.5km or 22.7 miles for the whole route. Set aside 10-11 hours for this challenge but depending on your walking speed and number of rest stops this may take less or even longer. 

How hard is the 9 Edges hiking challenge?

It’s a challenging route due to the distance and significant elevation gain but no technical paths or scrambling. The paths are all well maintained and once you’re up on each edge, it’s simple enough to follow. However, before attempting the 9 Edges challenge you should be confident in your ability to walk long distances and for around 10 hours as well as be able to navigate around the route. 

What are the logistics for parking since it’s a linear route? 

The challenge starts at Fairholmes Car Park at the Upper Derwent Reservoir and ends at the base of Birchen Edge. Of course, the route can be reversed and done the opposite way if preferred. 

Either way you’ll either need to arrange a drop off or pick up at either end, arrange the challenge with friends and leave one car at each end or rely on public transport to get you back to your starting point after finishing. 

Bear in mind that there is no direct public transport between Fairholmes and Birchen Edge.

Are there facilities on the Peak District 9 Edges hiking challenge?

At the start at Fairholmes Car Park there are public toilets and a small cafe/kiosk.

Along the route, there are no other facilities until you reach the Longshaw Estate where there are toilets, a cafe and a kiosk selling hot and cold food, ice cream, cakes and drinks.

There are then no more facilities until you reach the end at the Birchen Edge Car Park and the Robin Hood Inn.

Top Tips for the 9 Edges hiking challenge

• You’ll need to leave a car at each end for this challenge or arrange transport between the start and finish 

• Make sure you know the route; either have a map you know how to use or have the route downloaded to your phone

• I’d say this for all hikes but take a powerbank so you can keep your phone charged

• Tell someone when you start and finish

• Try not to worry about the amount of time the challenge takes you. Go at a speed that suits you and that will allow you to finish it comfortably without putting yourself at risk of injury or running out of energy.

• Take enough food and hydration methods with you. Expect to burn a couple of hundred calories an hour, which you want to replenish to keep you energised. Water only is likely to not be sufficient for a day like this - consider hydration salts, carbohydrate powders, fizzy or energy drinks and juice. 

 

For additional UK outdoor adventures, wild swimming, hiking routes and more, check my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @Wild_0utdoors on Instagram.

Happy adventuring! 

Izzy