DERBYSHIRE PEAKS and DALES

12th Nov 2008: Curbar-White Edge-Longshaw-Froggatt & Curbar Edges    Web page by B B & Sunnydale

Start/Finish: Car Park near Curbar

Highest Point: circa 390m

Distance: circa 15 kms

Weather: Mainly Fine

Vertical altitude gain: circa 300 m

Time: 5 hrs 20 mins

View from near Curbar A rare fine day saw us heading to Curbar, Derbyshire, stopping to breath in the view West. Our circular walk would take us across Big Moor, along White Edge to the Longshaw Estate. Then past the Grouse Inn and along Froggatts and Curbar Edges.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge

We were to be parked just up the road from Curbar, not far from Curbar Edge which looked lovely in the low November sunshine. It would be along the top of that Edge we would return a few hours later in the day.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued

Curbar Edge Route Curbar Edge Route Curbar Edge Route Curbar Edge Route

Initially our walk was away from the Edges. Onto Big Moor with wandering sheep, a wooden platform over water and sheep being rounded up. And above all lovely views over Derbyshire!

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge Route

Yes, really lovely views over the adjoining Peak and moorland countryside.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge Route

The Moor was mainly devoid of trees, but as we progressed a few were passed: some in amongst water as here.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued

Kestrel along White Edge Water on White Edge Wooden Pole and sign near Longshaw Estate

On White Edge we saw Kestrels, encountered water and saw Red Deer in the Rut, then reached the "Wooden Pole" at the edge of Longshaw Estate.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Higger Tor from path into Longshaw Estate

We had crossed a main road before passing the "Wooden Pole". And then wandered down a lovely grassy slope, (can be done barefoot in summer I was told!), with a great view of Higger Tor in front.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued continued

Trees on Longshaw Estate Fungi on log in Longshaw Estate

Autumn colours were very apparent as we passed the trees on the Longshaw Estate. And a fairly colourful log with lots of fungi on it nestling amongst the fallen leaves.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Autumn colours and trees on Longshaw Estate

Sunnydale has the better eye for spotting opportunities of photographs when under trees. As here on our wander through Longshaw.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Goldfinch on bird feeder

We ate our soup and sarnies by the bird feeding area of the Estate. And saw a nuthatch flitting around, and a goldfinch long enough to take it's photo.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Higger Tor

Higger Tor was still the dominant feature on the horizon as we ate our picnic lunch.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Higger Tor

A last look at Higger Tor as our return route took us away from it in an Southerly direction through Longshaw Estate.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued The Grouse Inn

The Grouse Inn had been quite prominently in view earlier as we passed along White Edge. And now our return took us right past it's front.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Stream near Froggatts Edge

We left the Estate and closed in on Froggatts Edge. First passing a small gulley with a fast flowing stream.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued

Stream near Froggatts Edge Stream near Froggatts Edge

The stream ran past trees whose Autumn colours stood out in the shady gulley.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued

Froggatts Edge Froggatts Edge Froggatts Edge Froggatts Edge

We left the stream and ascended a little, getting up onto the rocky Froggatts Edge. Where climbers and boulderers were enjoying the fine day.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge

The rocks increased as we headed generally South, starting to provide quite dramatic scenery to walk through.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge

At some point here the Edge name changes from Froggatts to Curbar! The border is not defined, but that does not matter as the whole length of both is excellent walking.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge

The rocks looked great, especially in places where it seemd some fairly simple scrambles might be possible from the bottom of the steep cliffs they formed.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge

The Rocky part of the Edge is quite long. And looked more impressive on top than it had looked a few hours earlier as we had approached by car.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Curbar Edge

A last look at the plentiful rocks on Curbar Edge as our lovely walk started to draw to and end.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued Looking West from Curbar Edge

By now it was late afternoon on a fine November day as we used then last of the light to take one more look from the top of the rocky cliffs.

12th November 2008: Curbar Circular continued

Walker on rocks on Curbar Edge Curbar Edge

Last chance today to stand on the impressive rocks of Curbar Edge. Taking in the view as well as the closer sight of potential easy scrambles! Making this a definite walking route to return to before long.