BAMFORD AND STANAGE EDGE WALK
Tick off two popular Peak District viewpoints in this one circular walk that’s perfect to time with sunrise
Start: Heatherdene Car Park, S33 0BY
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation: 1,150 feet
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
Route highlights
Bamford Moor
Bamford Moor, accessible from Heatherdene, offers rugged landscapes, vibrant heather, and sweeping views of the Derwent Valley. It features babbling brooks and a Bronze Age stone circle, making it a fascinating mix of natural beauty and history.
Stanage Edge
Stretching across four miles, Stanage Edge is a renowned gritstone escarpment north of Hathersage, with panoramic views of the Dark Peak moorlands and Hope Valley. This popular walking and climbing destination gained fame after appearing in the 2005 film 'Pride & Prejudice'.
Bamford Edge
Bamford Edge, a prominent gritstone overhang in the Peak District, is perfect for catching a spectacular sunrise over Ladybower Reservoir, Win Hill, and Hope Valley from its 1,381-foot summit. Located near the village of Bamford, it is known for its distinct rock formations, including the photogenic 'Great Tor'.
Where is Bamford Edge?
Bamford Edge, located above the village of Bamford in the Peak District, offers stunning views of Ladybower Reservoir, the Hope Valley, and neighbouring peaks like Win Hill. It’s a fantastic spot for catching a cracking sunrise, with options to shorten the route and take in the 'Great Tor' rock formation — ideal for capturing that perfect shot.
Getting to the starting point
Arriving by car
We parked at Heatherdene Car Park close to Ladybower. During busy periods and weekends, the car park can fill up quickly — so it’s best to arrive early or visit mid-week.
Public transport
To reach Heatherdene Car Park by public transport, take the High Peak Bus 257 or TM Travel Bus 271/272 from Sheffield, or catch the train to Bamford Station with a short walk to the starting point.
Bus services are limited, so please check schedules ahead of time or consider walking from Bamford Station, which takes around 40-45 minutes.
✔️ Good to knows
Facilities are limited on this one. You’ll find public toilets available at the start of the walk (Heatherdene Car Park) and a cafe at nearby Derwent Reservoir if you’re looking to extend the route. Alternatively you can pair it with this Robin Hood’s Cave walk, and dip into Hathersage where you’ll find pubs and cafes aplenty after your hike.
Check the weather: The weather on top of Bamford Moor can be unpredictable. Pack layers and be prepared for changes in weather.
Arrive early: Heatherdeane Car Park gets incredibly crowded during the weekend, visit off-peak or by public transport where you can.
Sunrise variation: Looking for a shorter walk to catch sunrise? Check out our short Bamford Edge sunrise walk, clocking up just 3 miles.
Leave the trainers at home: The area around the moors can get incredibly boggy — so definitely bring your boots for this one.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch the golden light.
Leave no trace: Help preserve the beauty of the Peaks. Leave the environment better than you found it and always stick to the paths.
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow this walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
Fancy giving this one ago? Check out our full guide on Instagram
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