Nine Edges Challenge

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Overview

Nine Edges Challenge Summary

The Nine Edges Challenges is located in the Peak District. The challenge consists of walking the ridge of nine prominent edges: Derwent, Stanage, Upper Burbage, Lower Burbage, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchen. The 22-mile circular route is a great entry to day-long hikes. There are fantastic views along the way with only small amounts of inclines. Along the walk you will be entertained by the hundreds of climbers that visit the Peak District’s ridges for bouldering.

The Nine Edges Challenge is not signposted. A map and compass is highly recommended to complete the hike.

The Nine Edges Challenge is a day-long hike but without too many inclines. The total ascent for the day is 1097m. The majority of the walk is spent walking along the top of the ridges, similar to the Edale Skyline Challenge. The Nine Edges Challenge can be used as a training hike for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge or the National Three Peaks Challenge.

Route

Nine Edges Challenge Route

View route in Google Maps.

Start and Finish

Start of the Nine Edges Challenge

The starting point for the Nine Edges Challenge is the Fairholmes Upper Derwent Car Park and Visitor Centre. The address for the car park is

Fairholmes
Bamford
Hope Valley
S33 0AQ

View car park in Google Maps.

Car parking is £5 for the full day. The pay and display machines are currently cash only and do not accept card payments. There are toilets at the car park.

End of the Nine Edges Challenge

The end point of the Nine Edges Challenge is Birchen Edge Car Park next to the Robin Hood Inn. The car park doesn’t have an address, but is located next to the The Robin Hood Inn. The address for the Robin Hood Inn is

Robin Hood Inn
Chesterfield Rd
Baslow
Bakewell
DE45 1PQ

The car park is a National Trust Car Park and costs £4 for the full day. The pay and display machines are currently cash only and do not accept card payments.

View car park in Google Maps.

Travelling between the start and finish of the Nine Edges Challenge

The distance between Fairholmes Car Park and Birchen Car Park is 16 miles.

The easiest method is to take two cars to the challenge. Park one car at Birchen Car Park and drive to Fairholmes car park and start the challenge. It is a 35-minute drive between the car parks.

You could use the same method and cycle between the car parks if you are completing the challenge alone. The cycle will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on your cycling ability. This is only an option if you are confident in your hiking and cycling fitness.

There is no direct public transport between the 2 car parks.

Order of the Nine Edges

1. Derwent
2. Stanage
3. Upper Burbage
4. Lower Burbage
5. Froggatt
6. Curbar
7. Baslow
8. Gardoms
9. Birchen

Nine Edges Challenge Route with Edges Labelled

Estimated Timings and Checkpoints

There is no set time to complete the Nine Edges Challenge. Completing the walk under 10 hours would be a good time to ensure you’re completing the challenge in daylight. Use the table below to estimate your finish time when completing the challenge.

CheckpointTime
Derwent Edge1 hour 45 mins
Stanage Edge3 hours 45 mins
Upper Burbage Edge5 hours 15 mins
Froggatt Edge7 hours 15 mins
Baslow Edge8 hours
Birchen Car Park10 hours

Equipment

map and compass

It is important to be prepared for the Nine Edges Challenge. You will carry all clothing, food, water and equipment in your backpack. There are no stores along the way. The weather can change drastically in the Peak District and it’s important to take warm and waterproof clothes to make your challenge comfortable.

You can view a full equipment list that covers everything required to complete the Nine Edges Challenge.

Map

The Nine Edges Challenge is split across two OS maps. The Peak District OL1 and OL24 The Peak District. Plot your route on maps before travelling to the Nine Edges Challenge.

GUIDED WALKS

Lost Earth Adventures Logo

If the thought of navigating with a map and compass is daunting, you can have a guide from Lost Earth Adventures direct the way for you. The groups generally finish between 10-12 hours but always accommodate to the slowest walker. Visit their Nine Edges page for more information.

Start of Nine Edges Challenge

From Fairholmes car park, follow the path along the wooden fence near the disabled parking.

Start of Nine Edges walk
walk from fairholmes car park

Keep right and walk over the bridge towards Derwent Dam.

start of nine edges walk in fairholmes car park

Take the path leading to the left towards Derwent Dam.

left turn towards Derwent Dam

Follow the stairs to the top and turn left.

Steps near Derwent dam

Go through the gate and follow the wide road along the edge of the Derwent Reservoir.

Road leading from Derwent Dam
Path along Derwent Reservoir

Take the right turn into the woods. The path is marked by a signpost for “Public Footpath to Bradfield and Strines”. There are two paths leading away from the signpost, follow the path leading to the right.

Right turn into woods
path along stone wall

You will pass the signpost for Walkers Clough.

Walkers Clough sign
Path

Keep left at the small wooden signpost.

Keep left at signpost

After a short walk you will reach another wooden signpost. Turn left again.

path leading to the left

At the cross section keep left and follow the path leading uphill.

path incline

Go straight on at the pile of stones.

cairns and signpost

Follow the path leading to the right at the next wooden signpost.

Path leading to the right

Go over the stile following the signpost for Strines.

Stile and gate

You will see Lost Lad and Back Tor in the background along the grassed route.

Lost lad and back tor

Take the grassed path to the left.

Path leading to Derwent Edge
Path towards Lost Lad

A trig marks the top of Lost Lad.

steps leading to trig

Keep following the path towards Back Tor. Back Tor is 538 metres high, which is just under half of the total ascent for the Nine Edges walk.

path in background
large rock formations
view from derwent edge
path towards derwent edge
paved path near derwent edge

You have great views of Ladybower Reservoir when walking from Back Tor to Derwent Edge. Derwent Edge is signposted. If you reach the Derwent Edge signpost within 1 hour 45 minutes, you are on track for a 10-hour challenge.

Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir
Derwent Edge signpost
derwent edge route

The Wheel Stones (also known as The Coach and Horses – from the A57 they look like a coach and horses) are a large rock formation. It’s a good spot for a rest stop or a little scramble.

The wheel stones
Wheel stones
Nine Edges challenge route

The next intersection is signposted for “Derwent” and “Moscar”. Turn left, following the sign for Moscar.

Left turn towards stanage edge

The path may be boggy in this area after rainfall.

route to stanage edge
path to stanage edge
grassed route to stange edge
path along derwent edge

Follow the path leading down the stone wall to Moscar House.

path leading to moscar house

Go through the first gate and the second gate is on your right.

moscar house
second gate at mascow house
path leading away from moscar house

The path leads to the road. Turn right onto the road and then left onto the A57, following the road sign for Sheffield.

section of road on route to stanage

There is just enough space for you to walk alongside the road.

left run onto A57
section on A57

Cross over to the right-hand side of the A57 and keep following the road until you reach a metal gate and a stile. Climb over the stile.

Cross A57
route after A57
Stile after A57 leading to Stanage Edge

Turn right at the signpost, following the sign for Stanage Edge.

Signpost for Stanage Edge

Turn left as the path splits into two and right at the next split. There’s a prominent stone with WM engraved. Stanage Edge is a long ridge and is simple to follow. Reaching Stanage Edge within 3 hours 45 minutes puts you in a good position to complete the Nine Edges Challenge in 10 hours.

Rocky path towards stanage edge
right turn towards stanage edge
Stanage Edge

A trig pinpoints High Neb.

Nigh Neb trig
Stanage Edge walk

Download the Nine Edges Challenge eBook

The eBook will guide you through the Nine Edges Challenge, step by step. No getting lost!

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Nine Edges Challenge ebook cover

Take the right turn, coming off the Long Causeway.

Turn right from the long causeway
Path on long causeway

Keep right at the two wooden posts.

keep right at the two wooden posts

Keep walking along the ridge until you reach the next trig.

walk along ridge
Unnamed trig

Turn left and follow the main path.

Path to Ringingrow

In the distance you can see the path leading to Ringinglow Road.

route to Ringingrow
path to Upper Burbage Bridge

Follow the path at the side of the road and cross over Upper Burbage Bridge to the car park furthest away. Go through the gate.

Road to Upper Burbage Bridge
Upper Burbage Bridge Gate

The path is the least obvious choice. Keep near the fence, following the signpost for “Bridleway”. This path leads you across Upper and Lower Burbage.

Path to Upper Burbage edge
route to Upper Burbage Bridge

At the cairn, take the path leading straight on.

Cairn and path with route
Path to Hathersage Road

Go through the gate and turn right onto Hathersage Road (A6187).

Gate before A6187

Cross the road and go through the next gate. There is a National Trust sign for Longshaw.

Hathersage Road
Longshaw gate
Longshaw route

Go through the gate, following the sign for “Visitor Centre” and cross the road into Longshaw Estate.

Longshaw Estate
Route to Longshaw Estate

Turn right at the “Estate Walks” sign.

Right turn at Longshaw Estate

Pass through the two wooden gates.

Gates at Longshaw Estate
Second gate at Longshaw Estate

Keep going straight at the next signpost. Following the sign for Grouse Inn.

Sign for Grouse Inn

Go through the gate and turn right onto the A625. There is a small path at the side of the road to follow.

Road to Grouse Inn

Pass through the stile just after the Grouse Inn.

Stile just after Grouse Inn
grass route after Grouse Inn

Go through the wooden gate and turn left.

Wooden gate
path through wood

You will reach the A625 again. Cross the road and continue through the stile next to the white gate. This path leads across Froggatt Edge.

A625 crossing to Froggatt
Gate leading to Froggatt Edge
Route to Froggatt
Froggatt route

There are a couple of splits in the path along Froggatt Edge. Take the right-hand splits if you wish to walk closer to the edge of Froggatt Edge or keep left to follow the main path.

Routes near Froggatt Edge

Follow the right turn away from the main path. This turn leads to Curbar Edge.

Right turn to Curbar Edge

Continue through the wooden gate. At the signpost, turn right, following the sign for Baslow Edge.

Route to Baslow Edge
Right turn to Baslow Edge

Cross Clohall Lane and keep following the path. At the next split, turn right. This leads to Baslow Edge.

Clohall Lane crossing
Right turn at Baslow Edge
Baslow Edge
Baslow Edge path

After walking along Baslow Edge, there’s a small shortcut leading back to the main path.

route from Baslow Edge

It’s easy to miss the right turn. If you cannot locate the right turn, turn right when you rejoin the main path (marked in red).

Turn right on main path if you miss the shortcut
Narrow path after Baslow Edge
Keep left returning to main path after Baslow
Right turn to main path

Turn left before the wooden gate. The path leads through a wood, over a bridge before reaching the A621.

Left turn before wooden gate
Route to Gardoms Edge
small bridge

Cross the A621 and continue following the path.

A621 crossing to Gardoms Edge
path to Gardoms Edge

Turn left at the next cross section and follow the stone wall. It’s easy to spot for the large rock.

Left turn at large stone
Follow the stone wall

Head for the gap in the stone wall and continue in the same direction. You’ll eventually reach a stone wall to walk alongside, leading to Gardom’s Edge.

Gap in stone wall to Gardoms Edge
Gap in stone wall
Stone wall to Gardoms Edge
Gardoms Edge
Gardoms Edge up close

Just after Gardom’s Edge, turn right at the large tree and stone wall and go through the gate.

Right turn after Gardoms Edge
Gate after Gardoms Edge

It’s not a well-defined path but keep heading in the same direction.

Path to Birchen Edge

Take the path leading up the incline. A trig is at the top.

Right incline turn to Birchen Edge
Trig on Birchens Edge

Follow the path behind the trig leading to Nelson’s Monument and Birchen’s Edge. This is the final Edge of the Nine Edges Challenge! It’s now a short walk to the finish line.

Trig at top of Birchens Edge
Nelsons Monument
path to end of Nine Edges Challenge
Path to Robin Hood Inn

Keep walking in the same direction and follow the path as it leads to the left.

Keep left to Robin Hood Inn

Go through the final gate and turn right onto the B6050 towards the Robin Hood Inn.

Gate near Robin Hood Inn
Road back to the Robin Hood Inn
End of the Nine Edges Challenge

That’s the end of the Nine Edges Challenge! Congratulations!

Download the Nine Edges Challenge eBook

The eBook will guide you through the Nine Edges Challenge, step by step. No getting lost!

Risk Free
100% refund if you are unhappy with the product

View more information

Preview the Nine Edges eBook


Nine Edges Challenge ebook cover

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do you need to complete the Nine Edges Challenge?

You need two maps (The Peak District OL1 and OL24 The Peak District), a compass, warm clothes (it may be cold along the ridges, even in summer) and a backpack to keep it all in. Visit the hiking equipment page to ensure you have all of the required equipment.

Can you complete the Nine Edges Challenge all year round?

The Nine Edges Challenge can be completed on any day of the year. It can be cold and windy due to the open nature of the countryside, especially outside of summer. If you wish to complete the challenge in sunshine with long hours of daylight, it is recommended to plan your trip between April-September.

How long does it take to complete the Nine Edges Challenge?

There is no set time to complete the Nine Edges Challenge. Completing the challenge under 10 hours is a good time.

What terrain is the Nine Edges Challenge?

The route is a combination of grass (which can become boggy after rainfall), gravel, steps, mud, tarmac and rocks.

Can you complete the Nine Edges Challenge in trainers?

It is not recommended to complete the challenge in trainers. Due to the diverse terrain, lack of ankle protection, inclines, declines and unpredictable weather, trainers are not suitable footwear for the challenge.

Are dogs allowed on the route?

Dogs are allowed in the Peak District. During the breeding season of spring and early summer, new-born lambs and ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to harm from dogs. Always use a short lead if you can’t rely on your dog’s obedience.

How much food/water will I need to take?

A backpack is required to carry enough food and drink for the full day’s hike. It is recommended to take at least 3 litres of water. The weather and temperature needs to be taken into consideration and adjust the required amount of water as necessary. A hot day will require more fluids. Take as much food as you can comfortably carry and high-energy foods are desirable due to their size.

How much training is required?

Some people will be able to complete the Nine Edges Challenge without training; others may require a couple of months. The level of training required is unique to each individual depending on current fitness levels and age. It is recommended to practice at least one long walk (12+ miles) with inclines and declines to assess the difficulty. You could complete the Kinderscout via Jacobs ladder walk (8.5 miles; 14 km) in the Peak District as way to test your fitness. You could also complete one or two of the Yorkshire Three Peaks or tackle one of the National Three Peaks. You could climb England’s third highest peak: Helvellyn (8 miles; 13 km).

Is it free to complete?

The Nine Edges Challenge is free to complete. You can donate to the Peak District, who maintain the pathways. 

Where do you start the Nine Edges Challenge?

The starting point for the Nine Edges Challenge is the Fairholmes Upper Derwent Car Park and Visitor Centre.

Are there any toilets on the route?

There are public toilets in the Fairholmes Car Park and Visitor Centre at the start of the challenge; at the Longshaw Estate, which is quite far into the challenge; and at the end of the challenge for paying customers at the Robin Hood Inn.

Do you need any specialist climbing equipment?

No. The Nine Edges Challenge is completed by walking. 

Do you need a guide to complete the challenge?

No. You can arrange your own walk with a map and compass. If you wish to attend a guided walk, contact Lost Earth Adventures. 

Can you drop out if you cannot complete the challenge?

As the Nine Edges Challenge isn’t a loop walk, it is difficult to pull out of the challenge once you have started. There are many villages along the route to stop your walk, but it may be difficult returning to your starting/finish point.