Froggatt Edge Circular Walk

The Froggatt Edge Circular Walk certainly has some stunning views across the Derbyshire countryside, but a good portion of the walk also follows along the roads that lead into the village. For those looking to experience a bit more of the countryside, try making your way further downhill towards the banks of the River Derwent, which you can follow into the village of Froggatt to pick the main trail back up. Additionally, some parts of the trail can be a bit wet, especially during spring/autumn. Make sure to wear proper footwear for your walk.

Although portions of the trail make use of village roads, overall this is a beautiful walk with some spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. From atop the Froggatt Edge, you will have an amazing sightline looking out across the rolling green hills of Derbyshire before making your way downhill to experience some tranquil stretches of forest that surround the village of Froggatt. This is a great walk if you are looking for some variation in terrain and scenic views.

Setting out from the car park, make your way to the southwest corner and pick up the trail as it heads through the tree cover towards the edge of the road. Cross over the stream and pass through the gate, making your way over the A625 and heading right to pick the trail back up in 150ft. Pass through the gate and continue to the southwest through the forest for 0.5mi to arrive at a scenic lookout with views across the valley. Keep straight along the trail for 350ft to cross over a stream and pass through a gate.

From here, you will come to a series of forks in the trail that will lead you to the Froggatt Edge Stone Circle. Go right at the first fork, and left at the second to continue your walk along the Froggatt Edge, a rugged escarpment that is a popular destination for rock climbers. Keep left along the trail as you take in the breathtaking views across the countryside before arriving at a fork near some rocky terrain. Go right here for a shorter – if rockier – route that will lead you along Curbar Edge, another stretch of the escarpment.

After 0.7mi of walking along Curbar Edge and taking in the sweeping views of the rolling green hills, you will come to a series of junctions in the trail near a picnic area. Keep straight through the first and pass through the kissing gate to take the path to the right that will lead you downhill towards Clodhall Lane. Head left at the next fork and cross over the road, taking the trail to the right to follow alongside the road as it travels west.

When you have reached the next junction, go left and pass through the gate. Make your way downhill across the farmland, where you will cross a series of four stiles and arrive at the edge of Bar Road. Follow the road to the west for 0.1mi and turn right on The Green, continuing through the village until you arrive at an intersection with a small spring known as The Horse Trough. Turn right on The Bent and follow it for 1.0mi, where you will meet up with the edge of the River Derwent in the charming village of Froggatt.

At the fork in the road, go left along Hollowgate and left again onto Spooner Lane, where you will eventually transition onto a tree-lined track. Follow this for 0.6mi though the countryside, making your way over a series of stiles that will see you enter into a beautiful stretch of forest and arrive at a stream crossing. Make your way across and continue through the forest for 0.2mi, where you will cross over a stile and exit the dense cover of the trees.

Shortly after leaving the shady forest behind, you will pass through a gate and come to another junction in the trail. Head left here and cross over the stream to make your way toward the village of Grindleford. When you have reached an intersection with a signpost, take the path to the right and you will soon arrive at a gate next to the side of the road. Pass through and turn right, following along the lane as it passes by St. Helen’s church on your left. 0.2mi after passing through the gate, you will see a trail on your left that you can follow through the shady canopy of Hay Wood.

Follow this path for 0.2mi and head right at the junction. Keep straight along the forested path and in 0.1mi you will come to another junction. Go left here and keep straight along the trail for 0.2mi to make your way through the forest and arrive back at the car park having completed the Froggatt Edge Circular Walk.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.