How to Complete the Baslow Edge Walk Peak District
The Baslow Edge walk is quieter than its neighbouring edges yet highly spectacular. It is an easier option and a great short walk on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park. It lies above the village of Baslow and offers unmatched views of the national park. There have also been sightings of Highland cattle near Wellington Monument, but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to see any.
Essentially, Baslow Edge is a gritstone escarpment surrounded by wild moors. You will find walkers, mountain bikers, climbers, horse riders on the edge, and those just coming to enjoy the view. It is truly one of the best views in the Peaks. We are sure you’ll agree. What’s more, this walk is relatively short for the rewards and what you can see.
If you want to continue exploring, you can walk along Curbar Edge and Froggatt Edge from the car park. You can also turn this into a circular walk. Please read our guide to the Curbar and Froggatt Edge walk here.
This guide provides vital information about the Baslow Edge circular walk, including walk details, parking information, and instructions.
Baslow Edge Walk Details
Walk Distance: 2.7km/ 1.6 miles
Walk Difficulty: Easy
Time: 45 minutes- 1 hour depending on fitness levels and photo opportunities.
Terrain: Ordnance Survey: OS Explorer Map OL24 (White Peak)
Route Type: Circular
Crowd Levels: Lower than most edges
How to get to Baslow Edge
You will be able to find Baslow Edge above the village of Baslow. It is on the eastern edge of the Peak District. It is also close to Calver village. The car park is accessible from the A623 or A621.
Baslow Edge Walk Map
Baslow Edge Car Park
Curbar Gap Car Park is the car park you can use to start your route.
You can find Google Maps Directions to the Curbar Gap car park here. Unfortunately, there are no public transport options to get to the beginning of this walk.
Currently, the car park (April 2022) does not have a meter (which means that you do not have to pay). The car park does get full, but there are some spots available in laybys, but these are limited, and you should not park on the double yellow lines just outside the car park. For example, it was almost complete at 9:30 am on the weekend. It is also one of the places you can start the popular Curbar and Froggatt Edge walks.
It is worth noting that the car park used to be paid or free to RSPB Members and National Trust members. It is unclear when/if they will put in a new meter as the old signs say the proceeds used to go towards conservation.
There are no toilets here, but the popular Jolly’s Coffee and Cake van usually sells coffees, hot chocolates, tea, and handmade cakes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
There is a picnic area close to the car park with picnic benches to enjoy the view! On a sunny day, this is glorious. There’s nothing better.
Baslow Edge Postcode: S32 3YR (approximate)
When is the best time to complete the Baslow Edge circular walk?
For the best time of day, it is good to arrive early (before 9 am) or later in the day (after 4 pm). For the best time of the year, we recommend visiting in late August or early September to see the beautiful heather covering the moorland. There is nothing like it.
As this walk is a short route and you do not need much time to complete it, you can do it at any time of the year.
Baslow Edge Weather
Remember to check the forecast before you go. You are pretty exposed on the edge, so ensure that you pack accordingly. We recommend taking layers and sun cream and a hat for the warmer months in the colder months. In addition, we always check the following two sites to ensure we are prepared.
Met Office Forecast for Bakewell.
Useful Tips and Information
- Wear suitable shoes, some parts of this route can get quite muddy, and the walk along the edge is uneven due to the many boulders. We always wear hiking shoes. However, we did see a lot of people wearing trainers.
- From 1st March to 31st July, you need to keep your dogs on a lead.
- No BBQs or fires are allowed in the Peak District National Park.
- Take all litter home with you and leave no trace.
- Remember to take a map with you to help navigate your route and ensure you have good map reading skills. It would be best if you used these directions as a guide only.
- The nearest public toilets are in Baslow.
- If you desire after-work drinks and food, head to The Eating House or The Bridge Inn in Calver.
- The nearest trig point is White Edge which you can visit to extend the walk.
Baslow Edge Walk Directions in 7 Steps
Grid Reference to start the walk: SK 26362 74654
1, From the car park, turn right and head down the road. Go past the gate towards Barlow Edge, as this is where you will be returning from later in the walk. Remember to keep the stone wall to your right as you go downhill.
2. Take a left at the National Trust Curbar Gap sign to go down through the field. Here you will come out the gap in the wall and should keep left to walk with Barlow Edge on your left. Essentially, you are walking with the edge above you. Go through the wooden gate and continue straight.
3. Don’t take the paths that fork uphill to the woods just yet, as they sometimes become overgrown. Instead, keep straight until you reach the green footpath society sign. From here, take a left uphill path in the direction of Bridleway Blackstone Edge.
4. At the bend and intersection, follow the central rocky path as you will be curving around to take the stony track. Now you will begin climbing Barlow edge. You will see Eagle Stone in front of you, but instead of walking to it, take a sharp left to walk along Barlow Edge. Unless, of course, you fancy climbing it! It is more complicated than it looks, yet many have tried it.
5. You can take many paths as you walk along the edge, but make sure you’re careful as there are sharp drops! There is a good chance that you will see climbers here. So look out for them and watch your step for ropes. There are also beautiful views over Curbar Edge in the distance.
6. Eventually, you will see an information point that shows you all the different places you can see from this spot (if it’s clear), including Win Hill, Longstone Moor and Derwent Valley. We were lucky with our day last time.
7. Finally, you need to follow the obvious path back to the car park through the wooden gate. Cross over the road carefully, and your Baslow Edge walk is completed. You are now back at Curbar Gap Car Park. Well done. We hope you enjoyed it.
Frequently asked Questions
How can I extend the walk?
You can extend the walk by going across to Curbar and Froggatt Edge and returning via Froggatt Wood and Calver.
You can also extend the walk to see the Wellington Monument and the Eagle Stone. Alternatively, you can go to White Edge. The great thing about this area is that there are many walks you can do from the same car park – there are so many options.
Are dogs allowed on the Baslow Edge walk?
Yes, the walk we describe is dog friendly. There are no stiles, but there are gates and tight gaps in stone walls. Remember to keep your dogs on a lead to protect grazing livestock and breeding birds. It is a rule in the Peak District from March-July, and there are signs in the Curbar Gap car park to remind you.
Can I climb at Baslow Edge?
Yes, it is known as one of the quieter places to climb and is often overshadowed by Stanage Edge and its neighbours. However, it is an excellent place to climb for some quiet. There are some low-grade climbs, but there are some loose rocks.
Where is Baslow Edge?
Baslow Edge is found on the eastern edges of the Peak District National Park in England near Baslow, Calver, Froggatt and Grindleford.
What other walks can you do in the Peak District National Park?
We have some helpful guides to the best Peak District walks as we spend most of our free time exploring.
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These include guides to the following walking routes:
There you have a complete guide to the short Baslow edge circular walk. If you have any questions, please get in touch below in the comments, and we will get back to you. Happy exploring. We hope you like it as much as we did!
Photo Credits: avergelives.com
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.
