Froggatt Edge and White Edge Circular: A Tale of Two Moors

There is something undeniably special about the gritstone edges of the Peak District.

They offer that perfect ratio of reward to effort: a steady climb followed by miles of relatively flat, elevated pathways that make you feel like you are walking on the roof of Derbyshire.

While many walkers do a simple out-and-back along a single edge, I always find that a circular walk offers a much better sense of the landscape.

This 6-mile loop pairs the enchanting, wooded pathways of Froggatt Edge with the wilder, open expanse of White Edge. It is a route of beautiful contrasts, giving you sweeping valley views on the way out, and vast moorland skies on the way back.

• Refreshments: Jolly’s coffee van is often parked at Curbar Gap on weekends. For a halfway pint or pub lunch, The Grouse Inn is just off the northern end of the route.

The Outward Journey: Froggatt Edge

Starting from the Curbar Gap car park, we head north along the escarpment. The stark, open boulders of Curbar quickly give way to the softer charm of Froggatt Edge.

This stretch is characterised by a beautiful, dappled woodland of silver birch and oak. In the autumn, the contrast between the white bark, the burnt-orange ferns, and the purple heather is simply spectacular, but it holds a magic in every season.

Because you are walking right along the lip of the escarpment, the views out to the west are your constant companion.

You look straight out over the Derwent Valley and the village of Grindleford below. On a clear day, the vistas open up beautifully, revealing Kinder Scout and Mam Tor in the distance.

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk. The edge is grazed by Highland cattle, who often look entirely unbothered by the passing walkers.

Also, keep a lookout on the eastern side of the path (away from the drop) for a small, ancient stone circle tucked among the birch trees. It’s a lovely, quiet reminder that people have been walking these edges since the Bronze Age.

The Turnaround (and a Pub Stop)

As you reach the northern end of Froggatt Edge, the path gently drops down toward the A625. If you’ve timed your walk right and fancy a pit stop, The Grouse Inn is just a stone’s throw away.

It’s a fantastic halfway point for a pint and some hearty pub grub.

Once you are rested and ready, the route crosses the road and cuts up onto the moorland to begin the journey back south along White Edge.

The Return: White Edge and Big Moor

As soon as you gain the ridge of White Edge, the personality of the walk completely changes. Where Froggatt is sheltered and wooded, White Edge is wild, open, and exposed to the elements.

Running parallel to Froggatt but slightly higher up, this path feels like proper high moorland.

The walking here is glorious. The path weaves through the heather, gradually leading you up to the White Edge trig point (the perfect spot for a quick photo and a sip from your flask).

To your left as you walk south is the vast expanse of Big Moor. This is where you really need to keep quiet and keep your eyes sharp.

Big Moor is home to a magnificent herd of Red Deer. Spotting their antlers rising above the tall moorland grass is one of the absolute highlights of walking in the Dark Peak.

Practical Info for Your Walk

Parking: The Curbar Gap Car Park fills up very quickly on weekends and sunny days. Aim to get there before 9:30 AM or visit later in the afternoon to guarantee a spot.

Footwear: While the paths are well-trodden, they are a mix of naturally cobbled gritstone, sandy tracks, and peat. It can get muddy and puddle-strewn up on White Edge after a good downpour, so sturdy walking boots are highly recommended.

Dog Friendliness: This is a brilliant walk for dogs, but please keep them on a lead. You will be walking near steep drops, ground-nesting birds, and grazing livestock (including those Highland cows and the Red Deer herd).

This loop is one of those walks that changes its character with the weather and the seasons, meaning no two visits are ever quite the same. Wrap up warm, take your time, and enjoy the contrast of the two moors.