Burbage Rocks Peak District
Dramatic gritstone edges and expansive views in the Peak District National Park, offering challenging hikes and stunning photography opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Burbage Rocks Peak District
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic gritstone edges and expansive views in the Peak District National Park, offering challenging hikes and stunning photography opportunities.
"The views are stunning in every direction you look, especially from Higger Tor with Stanage Edge on the sky line."
🚗 Parking Tips
Free lay-by parking is available, but can fill up. Consider paid National Trust car parks like Longshaw Estate.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Expect mud, rocks, and uneven terrain. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Burbage Rocks Views
Burbage Valley
Dramatic gritstone edges offering panoramic vistas of the Peak District. Perfect for photography and soaking in the wild landscape.
Higger Tor Summit
Near Burbage Rocks
A prominent tor providing stunning 360-degree views, with Stanage Edge a notable feature on the skyline. A rewarding climb.
Padley Gorge
Between Burbage and Grindleford
A magical, ancient woodland with a babbling brook, offering a serene and picturesque walking experience, especially in autumn.
Stanage Edge
Adjacent to Burbage Rocks
Iconic gritstone escarpment, famous for climbing and offering expansive views. A must-see for its dramatic presence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Free lay-by parking is available, but can fill up. Consider paid National Trust car parks like Longshaw Estate. 
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Expect mud, rocks, and uneven terrain. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Beware of Flies
Swarming flies can be an issue in summer. Consider visiting in other seasons for a more pleasant experience. [^Review]
🗺️ Use Navigation Apps
AllTrails is recommended for route planning, especially for circular walks like Padley Gorge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Free lay-by parking is available, but can fill up. Consider paid National Trust car parks like Longshaw Estate.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Expect mud, rocks, and uneven terrain. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
☀️ Beware of Flies
Swarming flies can be an issue in summer. Consider visiting in other seasons for a more pleasant experience. [^Review]
🗺️ Use Navigation Apps
AllTrails is recommended for route planning, especially for circular walks like Padley Gorge.
🎒 Pack Snacks
Longer hikes can be calorie-burning. Bring plenty of food and water, as facilities are limited.
🐶 Dog-Friendly
Many areas are suitable for dogs, but keep them on a lead where necessary and be mindful of livestock.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the absolutely breathtaking views and incredible scenery from Burbage Rocks and Higger Tor, making it a worthwhile hike. The challenging terrain adds to the adventure for many. However, some visitors have had their experience significantly impacted by swarms of flies during summer months, suggesting alternative seasons for a more pleasant visit.
"The views are stunning in every direction you look, especially from Higger Tor with Stanage Edge on the sky line. June 25, hot summer day over 26 degrees. Clear sky today not ideal for hiking that's said good to outdoor anytime."
Howard Turner
"Absolutely breathtaking walk. To walk around it took me and my friend over 2 hours and it was 5. 5 km. It takes challenges like going through mud, climbing rocks, going uphill or downhill.
Went turn up around 4am and had walk around it was quite chilly. Parking is paid opposite where we parked - like lay bay and it's free.
Totally worth it."
Kami Ambraz
"Incredible views, and an awesome hike had a lot of fun. It would have been perfect and 5 stars, but i have to mention the day was almost completely ruined by absolute swarms of flies. Not just a normal amount of flies but thousands and thousands, of them. I hope the picture does it justice.
I'm sure this place is absolutely lovely in a different season when the flies aren't around. Would like to go back to enjoy the full experience."
George Perren
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Burbage Rocks is accessible by car, with parking available in lay-bys along the road or at National Trust car parks like Longshaw Estate.
Yes, the Peak Sightseer bus (Blue Route) runs from Chatsworth to Castleton and offers stunning views, making it a car-free option to explore the region.
Many hikers start from the National Trust Longshaw Estate car park, which provides access to Burbage Valley, Padley Gorge, and Higger Tor.
Yes, driving is a common way to reach Burbage Rocks. There are lay-by parking spots along the road, but they can get busy, especially on weekends.
While many paths are rugged, Burbage Bridge is noted as being relatively accessible for those with mobility issues, allowing for a scenic view.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Burbage Rocks itself is part of the Peak District National Park and is free to access. However, parking at designated car parks, such as those managed by the National Trust, may incur a fee.
No, there are no entrance fees for Burbage Rocks. It's a natural landscape within the national park. Parking fees may apply at nearby car parks.
As an outdoor natural area, Burbage Rocks is accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, there are parking options including free lay-bys along the road and paid car parks like the National Trust's Longshaw Estate.
Parking at National Trust car parks is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, and booking in advance is generally not an option. Arrive early to secure a spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Burbage Rocks offers incredible hiking, rock climbing on gritstone, photography, and enjoying panoramic views. Nearby Padley Gorge and Higger Tor are also popular.
Popular walks include the Burbage Valley loop, a route incorporating Padley Gorge, Higger Tor, and Surprise View, and hikes along Stanage Edge.
Yes, while some paths are challenging, routes like the one through Padley Gorge are generally family-friendly. Always assess the trail difficulty for your family's capabilities.
Expect a mix of well-trodden paths, rocky outcrops, muddy sections, and some uphill climbs. Sturdy footwear is a must.
Facilities are limited directly at Burbage Rocks. The Longshaw Estate has facilities, and nearby villages like Grindleford offer cafes and pubs.
📸 📸 Photography
The gritstone edges of Burbage Rocks and Higger Tor offer dramatic landscapes. Stanage Edge provides iconic skyline views, especially at sunset.
Early morning and late evening offer softer light and fewer crowds. Sunset from Burbage Rocks or Stanage Edge is particularly spectacular.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. Always check the latest regulations for the Peak District National Park before flying a drone.
Higger Tor offers a prominent viewpoint with views towards Stanage Edge. The edges of Burbage Rocks themselves provide numerous vantage points. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider shorter, out-and-back routes from the main parking areas to allow children to explore safely without overexertion. +1Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are scarce. Sturdy footwear is a must for everyone, as paths can be uneven and muddy.
The Peak Sightseer bus is also a great car-free option for families wanting to explore the wider Peak District, offering stunning views without the stress of parking. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1 Consider using navigation apps like AllTrails to plan your route and stay on track. For those seeking solitude, visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours is highly recommended.
Always inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time, and carry essential safety gear, including a map, compass, first-aid kit, and sufficient water and food. 📸 Photographers
+1 Focus on capturing the scale of the landscape with a wide-angle lens and experiment with different lighting conditions, especially during the golden hours. +1Don't overlook the atmospheric beauty of Padley Gorge with its ancient trees and babbling brook, or the historical interest of Bolehill Quarry and its millstone stacks.
+2 Be prepared for all types of weather; mist and rain can create incredibly moody and dramatic shots. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Routes
+1 Another highly recommended route combines Bolehill Quarry (known for its millstone stacks), Surprise View, Higger Tor, Burbage Rocks, and Padley Gorge, offering a rich historical and scenic experience over approximately 7.5 miles. +2For those seeking challenging climbs or simply stunning vistas, walking along Stanage Edge is a must. This iconic gritstone escarpment offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for climbers.
+1 Many visitors also enjoy combining Burbage Rocks with nearby Curbar Edge and Baslow Edge for varied landscapes and sunset views. Remember to check trail conditions, especially after rain, as paths can become muddy and slippery. +1When planning your hike, consider using apps like AllTrails to find specific routes, track your progress, and read recent reviews from other hikers.
Packing adequate supplies, including water and snacks, is crucial as facilities can be sparse on the trails. Photography Opportunities
The interplay of light and shadow on the rock faces, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates dramatic and atmospheric shots. Padley Gorge provides a different photographic experience, with its lush greenery, ancient trees, and the gentle flow of the Burbage Brook. It's especially enchanting during autumn when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold.
+1 For those interested in industrial history, the abandoned Bolehill Quarry, with its stacks of millstones, offers unique photographic subjects. +2To capture the best of Burbage Rocks, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vast landscapes. Visiting during the 'golden hours' (early morning or late evening) will provide the most flattering light and help you avoid the midday sun's harshness.
+1 Be prepared for changing weather conditions; mist and rain can add a moody, atmospheric quality to your photographs. Accessibility and Family-Friendly Options
+1When planning a family outing, it's wise to choose routes that match the youngest members' stamina and mobility. Shorter loops or sections of longer trails can be adapted. For instance, exploring the immediate vicinity of the Burbage Rocks parking areas can offer stunning views without requiring extensive hiking.
+1 Always check recent trail reports or local advice for current conditions, as mud and uneven surfaces are common. +1For those without a car, the Peak Sightseer bus (Blue Route) provides a scenic way to access various points in the Peak District, including areas near Burbage Rocks, making it a viable option for families or individuals looking to avoid driving and parking hassles.
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