Curbar and Froggart Edge

This 9.4 km circuit from Curbar Gap connects three of the Derwent Valley's finest gritstone edges in a single walk. The route heads northeast across Big Moor to White Edge, follows the ridge to its trig point at 365 metres, then descends to the Grouse Inn at Froggatt before returning along Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge with their dramatic escarpments overlooking the valley below. A Bronze Age stone circle sits alongside the path on Froggatt Edge, and in autumn the deer rut on Big Moor produces extraordinary sound that carries across the open moorland. The 380 m of climbing is spread across the circuit, with each edge providing its own character and viewpoint.

This is one of the finest dog friendly walks in the Peak District. The heather moorland of White Edge and Big Moor provides firm ground and excellent off-lead running, with the scent of bilberry, heather sap and damp gritstone keeping noses working persistently. The exposed gritstone edges give dogs wind and the kind of open, elevated terrain they visibly respond to. Leads are needed near livestock in the fields below the edges and on short road sections through the villages. The Grouse Inn at Froggatt is dog-welcoming and makes a natural halfway stop. The variety of open moor, dramatic edge walking and sheltered valley descents gives this route genuine substance. Best suited to fit dogs comfortable on rough, exposed moorland terrain.