A scenic Peak District walk with stunning views, a charming village, and excellent cafés and pubs

Start: Grindleford Station, Station Approach, Upper Padley, Grindleford, Hope Valley, S32 2JA

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation: 600 feet

Duration: Approx. 3 hours

Difficulty: Easy-moderate with gentle elevation gain

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

Looking for one of the best scenic walks in the Peak District? This circular route from Grindleford Station offers breathtaking views, gentle inclines, and excellent spots to stop for food and drink. Covering Curbar, Froggatt, and Baslow Edges, this 7-mile hike takes you to one of the best sunset spots in the Peak District.

The route takes you through charming villages and past historical landmarks such as Calver Bridge and Calver Weir, offering a perfect blend of nature and heritage. Whether you're an early riser looking for the best place for sunrise in the Peak District or an evening walker chasing a sunset view over the Derwent Valley, this one is a must-save.

Route difficulty

Walk type: Circular, moderate walk with gentle elevation gain
Terrain: Mostly well-defined paths with gradual ascent; some rocky sections
Accessibility: Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to uneven terrain
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs must be kept on leads near livestock and cliff edges

Route highlights

Curbar Edge: Offering panoramic views across the Derwent Valley, Curbar Edge is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the Peak District. A fantastic spot for photographers!
Froggatt Edge: Known for its dramatic gritstone cliffs, this section provides stunning viewpoints and a peaceful walking experience.
Baslow Edge: A quieter but equally impressive edge with stunning views. Keep an eye out for red deer and Highland cows roaming the landscape.
Froggatt Wood: A peaceful woodland area, offering a lovely contrast to the surrounding moorland and a chance to enjoy the area's biodiversity.
Calver Bridge & Calver Weir: Picturesque landmarks steeped in industrial history, perfect for a short break.
The Bridge Inn: A traditional countryside pub near Calver Bridge, ideal for a mid-walk refreshment.
Matilda’s Café: A highly-rated café serving delicious homemade treats, a great place to stop for coffee and cake.
Grindleford Station Café: Famous for its hearty portions and no-nonsense attitude, this café is a classic stop for walkers and cyclists alike.

Is this route for me?

Unlike more strenuous routes like Kinder Scout, this walk offers a more relaxed experience while still delivering spectacular scenery. It’s perfect for:
✅ Walkers looking for a scenic but manageable hike
✅ Those wanting stunning sunset and sunrise views in the Peak District
✅ Dog owners (dogs must be on leads in certain areas)
✅ Hikers who enjoy stopping at cafés and pubs along the route

Tip: if you’re looking for an easy sunset vantage point without the doing the full walk listed here, there is a car park right next to Curbar Edge. The closest parking area to Curbar Edge is the Curbar Gap Car Park, located on Clodhall Lane. This pay-and-display car park charges £4 per day, with free parking available for blue badge holders, National Trust, and RSPB members.

Alternatively, there’s a free layby close to the car park (what3words address ///novels.replays.regal). Both spots are a 5-10 minute walk to the edge, perfect for catching a cracking sunset without the legwork.

Following the route for sunset: to follow this route for sunset, you’ll want to reverse the route so the walk finishes at Curbar Edge (we started here instead).

Options to extend the route / things to do nearby

If you have extra time, consider exploring:

Padley Gorge: A magical woodland with waterfalls and ancient oak trees, perfect for a short detour.
Longshaw Estate: National Trust-managed moorland offering additional walking trails and wildlife spotting.
Stanage Edge: Another famous Peak District escarpment, popular with climbers and hikers.

Getting to the starting point

Arriving By Car: Parking is available at Grindleford Station (fees apply). Additional parking can be found at nearby Padley Gorge car park. Arrive early during peak times.

Public Transport: Grindleford Station is served by trains from Sheffield and Manchester. Check timetables in advance.

✔️ Good to knows

Difficulty: Easy-moderate with gentle elevation gain.

Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof boots recommended (some paths can be muddy after rain).

Dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads near livestock.

Food and drink: Plenty of options along the route, from traditional pubs to cosy cafés. Try Matilda’s for coffee and a snack or The Bridge Inn for proper pub grub.

Facilities: Public toilets available at Grindleford Station Café.

🧭 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.

STUNNING SUNSET WALK: GRINDLEFORD TO CURBAR EDGE