Padley Gorge and Higger Tor are Peak District hotspots and for good reason. We take the quieter routes to each location to fully take in the sweeping beauty between White and Dark Peak.
Distance: 8 miles/13km
Total Ascent: 1351ft/412metres
Level: Easy
Time: 8:45 - 15:30
Start/Finish: National Trust Longshaw Estate Car Park, Grindleford, Sheffield S11 7TZ
Facilities: Public Toilets next to café a couple minutes walk away on Longshaw Estate.
Ethels: Higger Tor
Available Dates: Sunday the 3rd of August
£25.00
What to Expect
This walk along Burbage Edge, Higger Tor, and Padley Gorge offers a stunning mix of wild gritstone edges, open moorland, and ancient woodland in the heart of the Peak District. Starting with sweeping views from Burbage Edge, the route climbs to the iconic Higger Tor, a dramatic rocky outcrop steeped in legend and history. From there, it descends into the enchanting Padley Gorge, where tumbling streams wind through mossy oaks and birch trees. It's a walk that captures the rich variety of the Dark Peak landscape—rugged, tranquil, and timeless.
As always the ground will be uneven and at some points, especially around Higger Tor, real care is needed to think about foot placement. There isn't too much ascent for a Peak District walk, its gradual and easy on the knees. Other than when we are in Padley Gorge we are exposed to the elements; rain, wind and sun. In Padley Gorge the ground can be quite slippy. This is one of our shorter walks but the views are too pretty to not fully enjoy with lots of rest stops so still expect a full day.