Ten Great Peak District Walks – Walking the Gritstone Edges

Walking the Gritstone Edges – Hathersage Circular, Stanage, Burbage & Froggatt Edges (14.5 miles/23.5 km)

This great walk offers so much: fabulous iconic sights for the visitor to the Peak District to wonderful contrasts of scenery. Visit the grave of Robin Hood’s lieutenant, Little John, in Hathersage; pass by North Lees Hall (of Bronte sisters fame); seek out Robin Hood’s Cave; and enjoy a marvellous walk of contrasts that take in the gritstone edges of the Peak District on this fabulous walk. This delightful circular route that leads you out of Hathersage takes in the rocky outcrops and edges of Stanage, Burbage and Frogatt and then returns along the green and picturesque River Derwent. If you were to spend just one day of your life walking in the Peak District, this would be the walk to go for.

Headed up to Stanage Edge from North Lees Hall

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Gitstone Edges Walk from Hathersage

General Information

Start / Finish Location – Pay & Display Car Park, Odd Fellows Rd, Hathersage, S32 1DU

Distance: 14.5 miles / 23.5 km

Height gain: 1760 ft / 537m

How tough? Anyone with reasonable fitness can manage this, but the route can be easily be shortened or made longer as the day passes

Public Transport: Hathersage railway station / local buses also serve Hathersage

Local pubs we would recommend: The Scotsman’s Pack, Hathersage, S32 1BZ

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Personal experiences

One of the great things about this walk is that you can easily adjust the distance as you go depending on how people are doing. And over the years of leading groups along this walk there have been times when I have had to do just that. On one glorious summer’s day my team seemed to be just lapping up the miles. The weather was great and everyone was looking strong, so I kept adding on the distance. We started the day planning to walk 12 miles, and ended up walking 17! As we walked the final mile I couldn’t help but notice one poor member of my team (Jeremy!) was now limping. Wearing a pair of Timberland boots (probably not the best choice for him) his feet were now blistered in the extreme. Still he’d enjoyed the day, and turned up for the next day’s walk too!

Headed back to Hathersage along the River Derwent

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Ryan Coventry

18. April, 2023.

Went on the fear of heights course last month, run by Brian, Adam and Angie on the day. Went into it cautious due to a bad experience at height and unsure about what to expect, but from the first minute was made to feel comfortable and relaxed. The course was really good fun, and everyone in the group did things they never would have dreamt they'd have done beforehand. You can really tell they have been running this course for a long time and the experience and expertise of all involved was reassuring and made it just seem like a couple of days out in the peaks. Atmosphere was excellent, really friendly easy-going people, and felt so much more confident about being at heights after than I did before. To anyone considering I would highly recommend, the only course like it in the UK and it really sets the foundations for a completely different outlook on heights for anyone who struggles. Thankyou all and hopefully will get on some more courses/walks in the future.

Sheenagh Davis

9. April, 2023.

Omgoodness I never dreamt I could archive such heights. A wonderful kind, supportive, calm, patient team. Would recommend 100%, definitely going back for more courses.

david gilbride

27. March, 2023.

I managed to go on ‘Overcoming Fear of Heights’ due to my fear and being nervous at heights, On day 1, I woke up and was still in two minds whether to go or not, But I pushed my self to drive the 82miles to the destination, where we were in a classroom learning new techniques off how to overcome the fear, (very interesting). In the afternoon we started to put into action what we had just learned in the classroom, by learning how to (abseil). Humm, I thought but yes, I will anticipate, (as I had never done this before), It was so simple to use the equipment, But I was still very nervous when I stood on the edge off a drop. But with the professionally of the team, I managed to complete part 1 and 2 off this challenge, (and my confidence grew). Then when it came to the final challenge the big one, I lost my bottle, they never put me under any pressure just talked to me and tried to encourage me to do it, but unfortunately my mine was made up not to do it. (Very silly) I then thought should I stop the night and find a hotel or go home and quit as I failed the last challenge, (I decided to go home). On the way home I looked back on the day I had just had and then realised what I had achieved, Yes I learnt how to Abseil and stand on the edge off a drop. (Never been able to do this before). So, in the morning I drove back up for day 2, (still feeling nervous as what was a head, but not ready to quit as that is what I had paid for). Which is when I found out we was going to do some rock climbing (Interesting) The techniques we were shown, was very interesting and I was amazed what can be accomplished, (highly recommended). With all the little challenges done, I was ready for the big climb down and then back up (still nervous). But when I got to the top of the climb the feeling was amazing and (overwhelming at what I had just accomplished) I would highly recommend this course, as they get you to go out of your comforted zone but if you are not happy, they do not push you. (Well worth the experience). Thank you very much for the experience, I highly recommend this course, Well worth the money. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND GO FOR IT.

Rob Davies

23. March, 2023.

Just completed the 2 day ‘Overcoming Fear of Heights’ course in the Peak District. An amazing and invaluable experience. Will, Hayden and Brian all extremely professional, experienced, encouraging and fun, despite the challenges. Can’t believe what I achieved in just 2 days and now looking forward to conquering Striding Edge later this year. Thank you guys. Would highly recommend this to anyone.

Tony

28. February, 2023.

Emergency First Aid level 6 scqf course. An excellent in depth course that covered all the areas needed for our Rugby Club. It was a very professional and enjoyable course. Thank you Will.

Alex Coon

17. February, 2023.

Did Wilderness First Aid with Will in February. Great course. Loads of excellent practical sessions designed to drum in the important bits of the lessons. Few 'trick' scenarios thrown in to keep us on our toes.

Sue Herne

26. October, 2022.

Great first Aud course. Always based on the practical outdoor elements and always learn useful tips. Great to get the extra day for the advanced outdoor first aid course.

Nick Blaney

25. October, 2022.

Completed the Outdoor First Aid qualification with Will recently and can thoroughly recommend him. His own extensive practical experience of the outdoors and first aid shines through and adds legitimacy. The course is very hands on practical in nature, you will also need good acting skills!

Valerie Whistler

20. October, 2022.

I was lucky enough to be on the ‘Overcome Your Fear of Heights’ course last weekend in the Peak District with Will, Stu and Brian, and it was a truly amazing experience! The weekend was professionally run, really good fun and most importantly effective! I have suffered with a fear of heights (and particularly massive bridges) for the last 20 years but only 3 days after the course, I am now driving confidently over the Kessock Bridge in Inverness (a big bridge!) and looking forward to many other amazing adventures without a crippling fear hanging over me and spoiling so many days out! I recommend this course to anyone who is fearful and is letting a fear of heights stand in the way of living life. You will be amazed at what you end up doing in just two days! I admit that I thought about backing out several times before showing up on the Saturday morning as I was so unsure as to what my expectations should be. I’m SO glad I didn’t back out, as this has changed my life for the better. The classroom session with Brian was sensitively run and although a bit baffling at the time, worked incredibly well. I would love to share the secret of how effective this session is, but I have no idea how it works…it just does! The outdoor sessions for the rest of the weekend were fantastic! Will and Stu were incredibly supportive, understanding and encouraging without forcing or coercing you to do anything uncomfortable. They simply encourage you towards success and then congratulate you when you achieve it! Their inspiring insights, reassuring words and manner spur you into trying things you would never have believed possible, in fact by day two I was at the front of the line for every activity! Yes me!!! Thanks to Will and the team, I have already made incredible progress and intend to continue pushing the boundaries with my newly discovered confidence. If you are thinking about doing this course, then don’t hesitate, go for it and you will never look back! Thanks to Will, Stu and Brian. I’m already looking forward to the next adventure with you guys!

Marta Alfaro Tirado

19. October, 2022.

I've just completed the Outdoor First Aid course. I feel more confident now than ever (I've done at least 4 other first aid courses). Will teaches things in a way that you will remember during an emergency, and he focuses in the things you will come across in the outdoor environment. I find this course with Will very useful

Adventure Calendar

	May 2023
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	1 The Welsh 3000s in 3 days The Welsh 3000s in 3 days Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 1, 2023 - 11:59 pm Location: Snowdonia Description: The Welsh 3000s: here’s your chance to climb all the mountains of Wales inside the space of a single weekend. This trek is arguably the ultimate challenge event, combining true challenge with wilderness, excitement and awe – and all inside the space of one weekend! More details... •	2	3	4	5	6 Hill Skills 1 Bronze Navigation Skills Hill Skills 1 Bronze Navigation Skills Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 7, 2023 - 11:59 pm More details... Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Snowdon via Y Lliwedd and the Nantlle Ridge Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Snowdon via Y Lliwedd and the Nantlle Ridge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 7, 2023 - 11:59 pm Location: Snowdonia Description: These two days are listed in the guide book as grade 1 scrambles and so they will involve some moments that are exposed and at height. But really they would be better described as airy walks. For somebody setting out to try their confidence at height you couldn’t get a kinder two days whilst enjoying some superb scenery. More details... • •
7 Hill Skills 1 Bronze Navigation Skills Hill Skills 1 Bronze Navigation Skills Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 7, 2023 - 11:59 pm More details... Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Snowdon via Y Lliwedd and the Nantlle Ridge Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Snowdon via Y Lliwedd and the Nantlle Ridge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 7, 2023 - 11:59 pm Location: Snowdonia Description: These two days are listed in the guide book as grade 1 scrambles and so they will involve some moments that are exposed and at height. But really they would be better described as airy walks. For somebody setting out to try their confidence at height you couldn’t get a kinder two days whilst enjoying some superb scenery. More details... • •	8	9 ITC Outdoor First Aid ITC Outdoor First Aid Starts: 9:00 am Ends: May 10, 2023 - 6:00 pm Location: Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, Sheffield, Garter St, Sheffield S4 7QX, United Kingdom Description: 16 hour (two day) outdoor first aid training for outdoor leaders and enthusiasts alike. This accredited course will revalidate ML, SPA, MIA, BASI, BCU etc. - See more at: http://www.will4adventure.com/courses/outdoor-first-aid/#2day More details... •	10 ITC Outdoor First Aid ITC Outdoor First Aid Starts: 9:00 am Ends: May 10, 2023 - 6:00 pm Location: Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, Sheffield, Garter St, Sheffield S4 7QX, United Kingdom Description: 16 hour (two day) outdoor first aid training for outdoor leaders and enthusiasts alike. This accredited course will revalidate ML, SPA, MIA, BASI, BCU etc. - See more at: http://www.will4adventure.com/courses/outdoor-first-aid/#2day More details... •	11	12	13 The Yorkshire Three Peaks The Yorkshire Three Peaks Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 13, 2023 - 11:59 pm Description: This is a super concept – Yorkshire’s three highest peaks, linked together with a route that is approximately a marathon in distance. Set out to bag these three mighty hills inside 12 hours and a better day’s walking challenge couldn’t be better designed if you tried! (It’s a God-given challenge from God’s own county!) More details... ITC Outdoor First Aid ITC Outdoor First Aid Starts: 9:00 am Ends: May 14, 2023 - 6:00 pm Location: Youlgreave, Derbyshire DE45, UK Description: 16 hour (two day) outdoor first aid training for outdoor leaders and enthusiasts alike. This accredited course will revalidate all NGB outdoor qualifications eg ML, RCI, MCI, BASI, BCU etc. - See more at: https://will4adventurefirstaid.com/outdoor-first-aid/ More details... • •
14 ITC Outdoor First Aid ITC Outdoor First Aid Starts: 9:00 am Ends: May 14, 2023 - 6:00 pm Location: Youlgreave, Derbyshire DE45, UK Description: 16 hour (two day) outdoor first aid training for outdoor leaders and enthusiasts alike. This accredited course will revalidate all NGB outdoor qualifications eg ML, RCI, MCI, BASI, BCU etc. - See more at: https://will4adventurefirstaid.com/outdoor-first-aid/ More details... •	15	16	17	18	19	20 The Lake District - Scrambling Starters Helvellyn via Striding Edge The Lake District - Scrambling Starters Helvellyn via Striding Edge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 21, 2023 - 11:59 pm More details... •
21 The Lake District - Scrambling Starters Helvellyn via Striding Edge The Lake District - Scrambling Starters Helvellyn via Striding Edge Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 21, 2023 - 11:59 pm More details... •	22	23	24	25	26	27 Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Tryfan's North Ridge and Crib Goch Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Tryfan's North Ridge and Crib Goch Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 28, 2023 - 11:59 pm More details... •
28 Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Tryfan's North Ridge and Crib Goch Snowdonia - two classic Welsh mountain routes Tryfan's North Ridge and Crib Goch Starts: 12:00 am Ends: May 28, 2023 - 11:59 pm More details... •	29	30	31

Ten Great Peak District Walks – Walking the Gritstone Edges

Walking the Gritstone Edges – Hathersage Circular, Stanage, Burbage & Froggatt Edges (14.5 miles/23.5 km)

General Information

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Personal experiences

Further Reading/Information

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