Froggatt Edge and Grindleford Circular
Derbyshire
This is one of the great Dark Peak circulars, a walk along the gritstone rim of Froggatt Edge with an unbroken panorama across the Derwent Valley to Chatsworth, then a descent through Hay Wood and fields back into Grindleford. It is a dog friendly classic that earns its place on the short list of 'first Peak District walk' options, with varied terrain, cafes at the end and no hidden stings.
Dogs are welcome along the edge and through the woodland, and can be off lead across the open gritstone moor above the edge, though they need to be back on near cattle on the farmland below and on short leads during the 1 March to 31 July ground-nesting bird season. The climb onto the edge is steady rather than brutal, and the top is a broad, easy promenade. Parking is at the National Trust Hay Wood car park, free for NT members and busy on fine weekends.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.2 km (5.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Woodland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- The Grindleford Station Cafe and dog friendly pubs in Grindleford and Froggatt village; no toilets on the edge itself.
- Parking
- National Trust Haywood car park at the north end of Froggatt Edge; free for NT members, paid otherwise, busy early on fine weekends.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Froggatt Edge and Grindleford Circular dog friendly?
Very much so — this walk scores 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness and is considered one of the best introductory Peak District routes for dogs and their owners. The varied terrain takes you along the gritstone edge, through Hay Wood, and down through fields, with cafes and dog friendly pubs in Grindleford and Froggatt village waiting at the end.
Can dogs be off lead at Froggatt Edge and Grindleford Circular?
Dogs can run off lead across the open gritstone moor above the edge, which makes for a great stretch of free roaming with big views across the Derwent Valley. However, leads are required near cattle on the farmland below, and short leads are needed throughout the 1 March to 31 July ground-nesting bird season.
What should I know before visiting Froggatt Edge and Grindleford Circular with my dog?
The climb onto the edge is steady rather than steep, and the top is wide and easy going, so it suits most dogs well. Parking is at the National Trust Hay Wood car park — free for NT members, paid otherwise — and it fills up quickly on fine weekends, so an early start is a good idea. There are no toilets on the edge itself, so plan accordingly before you set off.
What’s Nearby?
Walk1.7 mi awayPadley Gorge and Longshaw Estate
South Yorkshire
Ancient sessile oak woodland, cascading stream pools, and the broad open heathland of Longshaw combine to make this one of the most complete short circuits in the Peak District.
Walk2 mi awayCurbar and Froggart Edge
Derbyshire
Three connected gritstone edges, a Bronze Age stone circle, and the chance to spot red deer make this one of the most rewarding moorland circuits in the eastern Peak District.
Walk2.5 mi awayEyam Moor and Village Circular Walk
Derbyshire
A dog friendly moorland and history loop above Eyam, the plague village, taking in Sir William Hill trig point and open gritstone heath.
Walk3.2 mi awayStanage Edge Full Crest Walk
South Yorkshire
A classic walk along the full length of the Peak District's iconic gritstone escarpment, with sweeping views over the Hope Valley.
Walk3.6 mi awayStanage Edge from Hollin Bank
Derbyshire
A spectacular gritstone escarpment with wide moorland views and a surprisingly accessible walk that suits dogs of most fitness levels.
Walk5.8 mi awayChatsworth Park Perimeter Walk
Derbyshire
A dog friendly perimeter circuit of Chatsworth Park, but a strictly on-lead one thanks to the red and fallow deer that roam the estate.
