Stanage Edge from Hollin Bank
Derbyshire
Stanage Edge is the defining gritstone escarpment of the Dark Peak, stretching over five kilometres above Hathersage with its sheer western face attracting rock climbers from across the country. This 9km circular from Hollin Bank climbs through a short wooded section to reach the top of the edge near High Neb at 458 metres, then follows the broad ridge south past abandoned millstones half-sunk in heather, boulder formations and Robin Hood's Cave before descending beneath the crags and looping back across open moorland. The ridge-top path is largely level with 217 metres of ascent concentrated in the initial climb, and the views across the Hope Valley and towards Kinder Scout are exceptional throughout.
Stanage Edge is one of the Peak District's finest dog friendly walks, with high off-lead potential along the open ridge where the gritstone and heather terrain gives dogs genuine freedom to explore. The scent of dry-baked rock and bilberry on a warm day draws them along the full length of the escarpment. Livestock pressure is low on the edge itself, though leads are sensible near the car park and any active rock climbers below the crag. Water is scarce on the ridge, so carry plenty for warm-weather visits. The exposed position means the edge catches wind and weather, making it bracing in winter but glorious on a clear day. Hathersage below has excellent dog-friendly pubs including the Scotsman's Pack and the Little John Hotel.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Public toilets 150 m from car park; cafes and pubs in Hathersage nearby
- Parking
- Hollin Bank Car Park, S32 1BR. Pay and display, £4.75 all day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanage Edge from Hollin Bank dog friendly?
Stanage Edge scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the Peak District's standout walks for dogs. The open gritstone ridge offers plenty of freedom to explore, livestock pressure on the edge itself is low, and the 9km circular route suits dogs of most fitness levels. Hathersage, just below, has welcoming dog-friendly pubs including the Scotsman's Pack and the Little John Hotel if you fancy rounding off the walk with a pint.
Can dogs be off lead at Stanage Edge from Hollin Bank?
Off-lead potential along the open ridge is high , once you're up on the escarpment, the wide heather and gritstone terrain gives dogs genuine room to roam. It's worth keeping leads on near the Hollin Bank car park and around any active rock climbers below the crag, but for much of the ridge walk your dog can explore freely. Just keep an eye out, as the western edge drops away sharply on the climbers' side.
What should I know before visiting Stanage Edge from Hollin Bank with my dog?
The most important thing to plan for is water , there's very little on the ridge itself, so bring plenty for your dog, especially on warmer days. The exposed position means weather can change quickly, so it's worth checking the forecast before you head up; the edge can be bracing in winter but is spectacular on a clear day. Parking is at Hollin Bank Car Park (S32 1BR), where it's pay and display at £4.75 all day, and there are public toilets around 150 metres from the car park.
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