Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk: A Complete Guide

One of the best things to do in the Peak District is to explore Bamford and Stanage Edge. Though there are a plethora of trails in the area to choose from, I thoroughly recommend the Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge Walk. This stunning circular hike includes a ridge walk over the iconic Bamford Edge; panoramic views over the Ladybower Reservoir and Hope Valley; and the opportunity to explore the rock formations of Stanage Edge!

In this guide, I will cover important information about the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk including the route, what to expect, and some handy tips ahead of your trip. I’ll also cover alternative walking routes as well as more exciting things to do nearby if you plan to spend longer in the Peak District.

About Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge

Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge are two gritstone rock formations made of sedimentary rock. Like other areas of the Peak District, these landforms were created as a result of being previously submerged by water over 350 million years ago. As sediment accumulated under the sea, the sedimentary rock formations we see today were created.

The word Stanage originally comes from ‘Stone Edge’ – which is exactly what it is! Stanage Edge is approximately 4 miles long and reaches a height of 458m (1503 ft) above sea level. Its highest point is known as High Neb. There are several abandoned millstones from when millstone production in the early 20th century, which act as a reminder of the area’s industrial past.

Bamford Edge has an elevation of 420m (1381 ft) above sea level and stretches for approximately 1 mile. With over 200m of prominence over the Ladybower reservoir below yielding amazing views, as well as its close proximity to the town, Bamford Edge can get rather busy in comparison to Stanage Edge.

These craggy rock faces provide fantastic views for walkers as they walk over these cliffs. Both are also popular with climbers who wish to tackle a variety of jutting buttresses.

About Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk

This walk is suitable for people of all ages, including children. However, there are restrictions on dogs in the Bamford Edge area. The majority of this walk is very easy with the elevation spread across the walk.

The terrain is predominantly dirt tracks and footpaths which can become quite muddy with heavy rain. Grassy sections and areas with higher footfall are particularly prone to this, so wear appropriate footwear.

Getting to Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk

Bamford and Stanage Edge are located in the High Peak region of the Peak District in Yorkshire. Lying halfway between Sheffield and Buxton, the nearest notable villages to Bamford and Stanage Edge are Hathersage, Castleton, and Edale.

By Car

The best way to get to this hike would be by car, therefore I have located the starting point of the walk at Dennis Knoll Car Park. It’s a pretty isolated car park which is generally pretty quiet. There are no marked bays, so you should be able to squeeze in even on a busy day.

Parking is free at Dennis Knoll Car Park.

Alternatively, if you want to begin your walk with Bamford Edge, you can park at Heatherdene Car Park by the reservoir which costs £3 for all-day parking.

In the unlikely event that both of these car parks are full, there are several other car parks in the area.

If you need to rent a car, I recommend using a platform such as Kayak or Expedia to find and compare the best deals.

By Public Transport

The nearest train station is Bamford Train Station. This is a 40-minute walk from Dennis Knoll car park. As this is a circular route, you can join at any point, making it a 30-minute walk to the nearest point of the route (Bamford Edge).

The train from Sheffield to Bamford takes 22 minutes. Whilst from other local villages such as Hope or Hathersage the train journey is less than 5 minutes.

The nearest bus stop to Bamford Edge is at Lydgate Lane. Buses 100, 256, 257, 258, 271, and H1 all stop here. Bamford Edge is a 5-minute walk from Lydgate Lane.

The Route: What to expect on the Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk

Starting from Dennis Knoll Car Park, you can do the route clockwise or anticlockwise.

I will take you through the anticlockwise route which goes via Stanage Edge first, followed by the more spectacular Bamford Edge.

From the car park, follow Long Causeway straight up towards Stanage Edge. You should almost be able to see Stanage Edge from the starting point of this route.

You will follow a wider track until a smaller footpath veers upwards and left towards the edge. There are several routes up to the Stanage Edge, so you can follow any of the paths.

Once at the top of Stanage Edge, turn left and follow the ridge for a few hundred meters. There is a path a few meters back from the edge itself which is easier on foot and slightly less exposed to any strong winds.

Turn left and you will begin your descent from Stanage Edge. This part of the walk takes you through open land, home to lots of wildlife.

Here you may see several curlews which are the largest European wading bird. You can recognise them by their distinctly shaped beak.

You will descend into the valley as you progress to the second part of the walk.

At the bottom of the hill, you will cross a small stream. Then ascend up the other side and begin to arc round to the left until you are walking parallel to the Ladybower Reservoir.

As you climb up towards Bamford Edge you will get beautiful views over the Ladybower Reservoir and Ashopton Viaduct.

Continue walking along the large rock formations of Bamford Edge with the views to your right. You will pass a popular photo spot with a particularly large rock on an overhang. If you’ve seen any photos of Bamford Edge on Instagram, it was probably taken along here.

This edge has beautiful views over the lush Hope Valley, with views of Castleton, Mam Tor, and Edale in the distance.

The final section of the loop moves away from Bamford Edge and across the land back towards the car park. If you don’t want to go straight back to the car, you can detour and head down the valley toward the town of Bamford where you can get some food or drink.

Navigation

Though the route is a relatively simple circuit, I would recommend following directions to avoid missing a couple of key turns. The exit from Stanage Edge is one turning to watch out for as the path isn’t particularly clear.

If you don’t have a map and compass to navigate, you can follow this circular hiking route by saving this post and following the steps. Equally, you can follow the route using maps.me or by downloading the route in advance on AllTrails and saving it offline.

Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk Map

Below is an interactive map of the Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge circular walk.

I highly recommend creating an AllTrails account if you don’t already have one. From here you can save this map for use on the day of the walk AND look up other hikes in the area.

Alternative Routes for Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk

If you want to add more distance and more cliffs to your walk, the 3 Edges walk is the one for you. This walk expands on the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk by also including Derwent Edge, creating an extended 16km circular route.

If you’re after something shorter and less challenging, the Bamford Edge Circular is a good option, particularly for less experienced hikers. At 5.8km, this walk focuses on Bamford Edge and provides spectacular views of the Ladybower Reservoir with a fraction of the total walking distance.

Tips for Walking Bamford and Stanage Edge

When to hike Bamford and Stanage Edge

The best time to hike Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge is between May and September. In theory, this is British summertime with warmer, sunnier weather. (In theory!)

Having said this, Bamford and Stanage Edge are walkable all year round and Bamford Edge will be quieter in the off-season.

I also recommend that you avoid weekends and start your hike early if possible. That way you can avoid any crowds, ensure you secure a parking spot, and most importantly, have the landscapes of the Peak District to yourself!

Use nearby Toilet Facilities

There are no toilet facilities available on the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk.

The nearest toilets are Hollin Bank public toilets which are a 3-minute drive away from the start point at Dennis Knoll.

Alternatively, there are more public toilets in the town of Bamford, as well as a series of cafes and restaurants.

Be prepared for the weather

Check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Whether that means bringing suncream and a cap, or extra layers and gloves.

Of course, there is no point in bringing a woolly hat if it’s 20 degrees outside, but remember British weather can be unpredictable! In the space of a couple of hours, blue skies can easily change to rain.

I always recommend packing a raincoat and wearing a decent pair of waterproof hiking boots. Layering clothing so it’s easy to put on and take off gives you more flexibility than having one really thick coat.

Bamford and Stanage Edge are both very exposed meaning that any wind and rain can hit very hard. I recommend a good windbreaker and layers to protect you from the elements.

Note: Make sure you have space in your bag for any layers you take off. You don’t want to have to carry these around for the whole walk!

Bring a battery pack

As with most hikes, I strongly recommend bringing a portable charger and making sure you leave your accommodation with a full phone battery. Though this hike should take 2-3 hours, it’s always good to be prepared for the worst.

With so many amazing photo and video opportunities on this walk, any navigation used on your phone, plus any music for your headphones. You’ll want to make sure that your phone has enough charge, especially should you need to make any emergency calls.

Bring food and drinks

Though this isn’t the longest hike in the world, it’s worthwhile bringing some snacks to fuel you and drinks to remain hydrated as you exercise.

With great views from Bamford and Stanage Edge, there are plenty of places for you to stop and take on some food. Just make sure you take all your trash with you.

Some good ideas for hiking snacks include nuts, fresh or dried fruit, and energy bars. Don’t waste your time with anything that could make a mess in your rucksack! I’ve been there…

Tell someone which trail you’re on

One of the most important things about any walk is keeping safe. Make sure to let someone know where you are going and how long you are expecting to be out. That way, should anything go wrong, someone will be able to find you.

This is particularly important when hiking solo, but also relevant if you’re going out as a group.

Using tracking apps like Find My Friends or What3Words are great supplements to help people know where you are.

Download the map

As always, if you’re using an app to navigate, I strongly recommend downloading the map or taking screenshots of the route in advance. That way you can be sure that you can access it at all times.

I had phone signal throughout the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk, but that’s not always a guarantee!

Respect the wildlife in the area (+no dogs on this walk)

Of course, you should respect wildlife on any walk. But it’s particularly worth mentioning given the number of species of birds nesting in the area.

As a result, dogs have been banned from the privately owned land around Moscar, Derwent, and Hallam Moors. This includes the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk.

Dogs are still allowed on public rights of way and I have also seen some dog walkers on the route. If you still plan to disregard the rules, please at least keep your dogs on the lead and on the paths.

Food and Pubs near Bamford and Stanage Edge Walk

There are lots of places to eat and drink near the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk, particularly around the villages of Bamford and Hathersage further up the road. Several also double up as places to stay in the Bamford area.

Here are some to look out for:

• The Yorkshire Bridge Inn – a lovely inn located a short stroll from the Ladybower Reservoir.
• The Angler’s Rest – a quaint, community-owned pub in the town of Bamford.
• The George – a cosy place to eat serving a variety of fine-dining and homely foods, in a 500-year-old building in Hathersage.
• Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn – a traditional country pub on the edge of Hathersage.

If you don’t want a hearty pub lunch or a drink, there are options for cafes (see below). Most cafes open at around 10:00 and close around 16:00, but it’s best to check their websites.

• The Wild Kettle Cafe – a family-run cafe serving homemade cakes and ground coffee.
• The Bird Cafe – a unique cafe with birds, coffee, cake, and a gift shop.
• Cintra’s Tearoom – licensed tearoom and gardens in Hathersage, offering afternoon tea; sandwiches, homemade food, as well as drinks.

Things to do near Bamford and Stanage Edge

Though walking Bamford Edge and Stanage Edge is a highlight of any trip to the Peak District, there are plenty more stunning walks in the Peak District.

Below are a few other walks that you can add to your Peak District itinerary or explore next time you return!

Winnats Pass Walk – a short walk around this famous limestone gorge.

Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill – a walk over two rugged peaks.

Mam Tor and Kinder Scout – a stunning walk including the highest peak in the area and incredible views from Mam Tor over Edale and the surrounding area.

If you’re all walked out, other nearby activities include visiting Peveril Castle, Thornbridge Brewery, Chatsworth Garden, or Hathersage’s outdoor pool.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my travel guide on the Bamford and Stanage Edge walk. If guides and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy hiking!