A Guide to the Stanage Edge Walk
The Stanage Edge walk has some of the best and most dramatic views in the Peak District National Park. Stanage Edge is 3.5-miles (6km) in length, which means there is a lot to explore, and the gritstone escarpment has become a landmark in its own right. Located in the Dark Peaks, with views over Hope Valley and beyond, it is not difficult to understand why so many people visit Stanage Edge, time and time again. In addition, you may be able to spot Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, some other famous Peak District walks.
Stanage Edge is a walker’s dream and a place where people come for epic rock climbing. There are many different routes to reach Stanage Edge, but we find ourselves doing the circular route from the charming village of Hathersage time and time again. We love that this route is accessible by public transport, which means everyone can join in the fun of the beautiful Stanage Edge Walk.
We love this walk because of its literary connections. It is recognisable from the Pride and Prejudice film, and also you will see the 16th century North Lees Hall, which was once the home of the Eyre family and inspired Charlotte Bronte’s Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre. She lived in the village when she wrote the book! Also, on top of Stanage Edge, there are the remains of a Roman Road, which is pretty cool.
Stanage Edge Walk Time: 2.5-3.5 hours at a reasonable pace
Distance: 9 km (5.6-mile walk)
Elevation Gain: 350m
Route Type: Circular
How to get to Stanage Edge
Car: Hathersage is 12 miles from Buxton and is on the A625 Buxton to Sheffield Road in the Derwent Valley. It is off the A6187.
Train: Hathersage Station (the beginning of this suggested route). You can reach it easily from Manchester and Sheffield as the train line connects these two major cities.
Bus: You can get the bus locally from Bakewell, Sheffield and Chesterfield. Just get off on the main street in the village.
Stanage Edge Car Park
There are different Stanage Edge walk parking options. We suggest parking near Hathersage Train Station. There are free roadside spots on Station Approach, or you can pay £2 to park in the Hathersage train station. The postcode is S32 1DR, or you can click here for Google Maps directions.
Alternatively, you can park at the Oddfellows Road Car Park nearby and pay £6 (all day parking).
7 Top Tips for the Stanage Edge Walk
- The map you need is the OS Explorer OL1.
- There are uneven and rocky paths on the Stanage Edge walk, so watch your footing and wear suitable shoes. Unfortunately, it can also get muddy.
- Leave no trace and take all the litter home with you.
- There are free public toilets in Hathersage and many pubs, cafes and outdoor shops.
- Stanage Edge is a popular route in the peaks, so arrive as early as possible to get a parking spot, especially on weekends.
- Some of this walk involves walking on a road, so make sure you are vigilant.
- This walk is dog friendly, but take care at the top and remember to keep them on a lead during the breeding season and away from livestock.
When is the best time to go on the Stanage Edge Walk?
We always say the best time to go to the Peaks is the heather season because we love the colours. If you would like to visit for a village event, it has an annual carnival in July and a Horticultural Show in August. You can complete this walk all year round. There is also the option of shortening this walk if you are concerned about daylight hours.
Stanage Edge Walk Weather
Check the weather on the mountain forecast for Stanage Edge here. Remember to be prepared for changing weather conditions. Ensure you have a waterproof, the heavens may open, and it is better to be ready than sorry. Also, a lot of this walk is exposed, which means that you won’t go home dry if it rains.
Stanage Edge Walking Route Directions
Disclaimer: even though we provide an overview of the Stanage Edge Walk, do not rely on them alone and take a map with you for security.
STAGE 1 – The Train Station to Dale Road
From the train station, turn right and head down Station Road. When you reach the end, turn right again, cross over the road and walk through the village—pass by Go Outdoors and Coleman’s Delhi. After Split (the outdoor shop), turn immediately left on Baulk Lane; there is a sign for public football to the church. Go past the cricket pitch, which is on your left and keep walking along the gravel road. After 300m, you need to turn right through the wooden gate following the public footpath sign and walk up the grassy fields.
After roughly 300m, you will see a sign with arrows in lots of different directions. Turn right and cross over the stream on the stone bridge. Next, go through the gate and walk up, following the steps.
At the fork with the big tree in front of you, take the left path and turn right again to reach the metal kissing gate and turn left on the road. Continue walking along the single lane tarmac road for roughly 600m. Go over the cattle grid, and there is a vineyard on your left! Go through Carr Head Farm’s Gate, and then before you reach the other gate, turn right to go up the grassy hill. At the top, go through the wooden gate in the left corner of the field. Make sure you turn around and admire the view!
Head up the grassy path in the direction of The Dale road. At the post, turn right and go towards the wooden gate and go through it and continue until you get to the road. At the road, turn right and go uphill. Follow the gravel lane until you reach Dale Road, turn left and walk carefully along the road. You will see Stanage Edge in front of you.
STAGE 2- Dale Road to Stanage Edge
Walk along the road for roughly 500m and then turn left, where you will see Hook’s Car Popular end car park. From here, turn right and follow the stone stepped path up towards Stanage Edge. This path becomes a stony gravel path and is evident up to the top. Don’t continue on the path going below the edge. Instead, keep heading up. At the top, turn left and enjoy walking along the ridge and take lots of pictures.
Did you know that you could see Robin Hood’s Cave on Stanage Edge? It is not easy to find, but it is on Google Maps. We found the drop-down quite intense, though.
There are many routes down from Stanage Edge, and some are steeper than others. We recommend going through the stonewall with Stanage Plantation below you and walking along the edge. It would be best if you then took the left-hand turn down. It is not marked but is noticeable. This path is the easiest way down. It is uneven, so be careful of your footing. The trail goes down and goes through a gate. Continue on the path down, walking through Stanage Plantation through the gate and then downhill towards the road.
STAGE 3 – Stanage Edge to Birley Lane
When you reach the road, turn left and continue up the road. Stanage Edge will be on your left and in front of you. Take a sharp right and go through a beautiful wooden gate that will take you down through the woods near Hollin Bank car park. Go through the wooden gate and continue down to go through another wooden gate to North Lees Hall and Farm.
From here, take a sharp left and continue down, passing by North Lees Hall. It looks like a castle! Continue down the single lane tarmac road for 300m when you get to Birley Lane. Crossover and go slightly left to follow the public footpath sign going over the stone sty.
STAGE 4- Birley Lane back to Hathersage
When you reach the more significant path, turn right and walk along the track next to the stream. After 50m, you will see the footpath sign and a large yellow arrow on a stone.
Take this path that goes slightly uphill and keep straight to go towards the building in front of you (Blue Deer). Continue along the grassy path. Keep straight and walk through the gate. Birchen Wood is slightly above you. The trail is easy to follow.
The route from here is straight back into Hathersage along the green trail. When you get to the small wooden gate, please go through it and follow the grass path down into the village. You will be able to see it in the distance, and the Church spire from the beginning to guide you back. Eventually, you will arrive on the path you started on if you take a right before getting to the stone bridge over the stream.
Follow it back, take a left at the gate and go past the Scout hut and cricket pitch until you arrive back in the village. Turn right at the road, and here you can have a pint or return to the train station where you began!
Walk complete!
Stanage Edge Short Walk
If you search for a shorter Stanage Edge Walk, you can depart from Hollin Bank car park on North Lees Road. The route is a circular 4-miles route through the Stanage Plantation to the Long Causeway. Continue along the ridge and to the Trig Point (High Neb) at 458m.
After enjoying the views, you can go down on another footpath to the Long Causeway. It bends round towards the Buck Stone to the North Lees Road. From there, follow the road back to the car park. It is quite an easy route.
What’s nearby the Stanage Edge Walk?
You can also extend your Stanage Edge walk by walking to Bamford Edge or Padley Gorge, nearby if you fancy a longer walk.
Little John’s grave (Robin Hood’s best friend) is at St Michael’s Church in Hathersage, which you can visit on your way or way back from the Stanage Edge walk that we suggest.
You can also take a dip in Hathersage’s open-air swimming pool or go to one of its many pubs, cafes or tea rooms.
Other excellent Peak District National Park walks include:
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.