Giddy Edge, Matlock Bath – Is This Britain’s Scariest Cliff Walk?

We all love a walk that gets the heart pumping, don’t we? Sometimes it’s the steep climb that does it, and sometimes… well, sometimes it’s looking down at a 300-foot sheer drop with nothing but a narrow ledge and a handrail between you and the tree canopy below!

Welcome to Giddy Edge in Matlock Bath.

Often dubbed “Britain’s scariest footpath,” this little stretch of adrenaline in the Derbyshire Peak District has been a rite of passage for walkers since the Victorian era. But is it really as terrifying as they say? Or just great Victorian era marketing.

I headed up to High Tor to find out, and to soak up some of the finest views in the Derwent Valley.

Here is everything you need to know about hiking Giddy Edge, from where to park to whether you should bring the dog (spoiler: maybe think twice about that one!).

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The Climb to High Tor

The adventure doesn’t start at the edge itself; it starts down in the charming village of Matlock Bath. Known as “Little Switzerland” for its steep, wooded hillsides, it’s the perfect backdrop for a day out.

We started our route from the station car park, crossing the bridge and following the signs for the High Tor grounds.

Be warned: before you get to the “scary” bit, you have to earn it. The path winds upwards through the woods, and it is steep. It’s a bit of a lung-buster, but the woodland is ancient and beautiful, distracting you nicely from the effort.

As you emerge from the trees near the summit, you are greeted by open meadow and the first expansive views over Matlock.

You can see Riber Castle looming in the distance and the cable cars of the Heights of Abraham gliding silently across the valley opposite.

Braving Giddy Edge

Then, you reach the fork in the path.

To the left is the safe, flat path along the top of the summit. To the right? A sign warning of steep drops and narrow paths. Naturally, we went right!

Giddy Edge itself is actually quite short—only a few hundred metres—but it certainly leaves an impression. The path hugs the limestone face of High Tor, winding its way around the cliff. In some places, the path is barely wide enough for one person.

Is it scary? If you have vertigo, absolutely. The drop is significant, and you are very aware of the world falling away to your left. However, there is a sturdy metal handrail bolted into the rock for almost the entire length.

Holding onto that cold iron, inching around the corner while the wind rushes up from the valley floor, gives you a tremendous sense of exposure. It’s exhilarating! But because of the handrail, it feels secure enough to stop (carefully) and admire the incredible view down to the River Derwent snaking through the gorge below.

A Victorian Thrill

One of the things I love about this spot is its history. This isn’t a modern “extreme sport” invention; it’s a Victorian tourist attraction.

In the 19th century, Matlock Bath was the place to be seen. Ladies in long dresses and gentlemen in suits would have promenaded along these very cliffs to take in the “sublime” views.

Imagining them navigating these narrow ledges in crinolines and top hats certainly puts my modern hiking boots to shame!

The Summit and Return

Once you’ve conquered the edge, the path rejoins the main trail at the summit of High Tor. Here, you can sit on a bench, catch your breath, and watch the world go by.

For the return journey, you can loop back down the way you came, or continue towards Old Matlock. We decided to head down the zig-zag paths towards the river and crossed over to enjoy a much flatter stroll along Lover’s Walk on the opposite bank.

It’s a gentle, romantic counter-balance to the adrenaline of the morning.

And of course, no trip to Matlock Bath is complete without grabbing a bag of fish and chips and people-watching by the riverside.

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Route Details & Practical Tips

If you are planning to take on the Giddy Edge Cliff Walk, here are a few practicalities to help you plan your day.

Distance: Approx 2.5 miles (4 km) for the circular loop. Time: Allow 1.5 – 2 hours. Difficulty: Moderate (due to steep climbs), but the edge itself requires a head for heights.

Getting There and Parking

By Car: Matlock Bath is easily accessible via the A6. Parking: There are several pay-and-display car parks. The Matlock Bath Station car park (DE4 3PT) is large and central, though it fills up quickly on sunny weekends.

By Train: The walk starts literally minutes from Matlock Bath Railway Station, making it a perfect rail-trail adventure.

Is it Dog Friendly?

Technically, yes, dogs are allowed but I would not advise it at all. If you have to take your dog up and your dog is excitable, pulls, or is clumsy, take the alternative path over the summit. It isn’t worth the risk on the narrow ledge.

Is it Safe for Children?

Adventurous older kids will love it, but they need to be sensible. The handrail is high, but the gaps are large enough for a small child to slip through. Strict supervision is a must. For toddlers or younger children, I would skip the edge section and stick to the main summit path.

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Final Thoughts

Giddy Edge is one of those unique little gems in the Peak District that offers high reward for relatively little effort. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to do it, but you get that genuine “mountain” feeling of exposure and height.

Have you walked Giddy Edge? Did you find it terrifying or thrilling? Let me know in the comments below!

Now then, if you would like to go a few steps further and take on a truly scary edge walk in the UK then take a look at:

Walking Glen Coe – The Iconic Aonach Eagach Ridge in Scotland. Or the mighty Crib Goch, Snowdon – One of Britain’s Greatest Ridges.

You may have heard of Striding Edge too that Paul takes as a Guided Walk if you want to join him.