Curbar Edge offers some of the most impressive views in the Peak District and is best saved for a clear day (which also means that you should arrive early to get a parking spot). This short Curbar Edge walk leads you to the best viewpoints and returns via woodland that sits in front of the escarpment.
Whilst this walk is only 3.3km, allow a good couple of hours so that the kids can to play on the boulders and everyone can enjoy a hot chocolate overlooking the Derwent Valley. Indeed, Curbar Edge is one of the best walks in the Peak District for kids to climb and scramble over boulders. Just be mindful of the big drop and climbers on the escarpment face when playing on the boulders.
If you have time for a longer walk, check out this Curbar Edge walk (9.4km) that also takes in White Edge, Froggatt Edge, a trig point and a pub stop! However, this short Curbar Edge walk detailed here is perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll for the kids to burn off some energy.
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.
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Curbar Edge short walk map
On all Peak District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the OS Explorer Active Map OL 24 (White Peak). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
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This Curbar Edge short walk follows an anticlockwise direction.
Get a printable download of this walk
Want to print off this walk guide rather than rely on your mobile? Then click here to download the PDF to print out at home. Perhaps print out a copy for the kids to follow the step-by-step directions and/or photos? It’s a great way to get them engaged with the walk and gives them a sense of responsibility.
All printable downloads are £2.50 each. Click here for the full list of Peak District Kids printable downloads.
Please note that your download link expires 72 hours from order, so make sure you save your PDF somewhere where you’ll remember it. If you are unsure where your download folder is on your mobile device, we recommend you download the PDF on your laptop or desktop.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 3.3km (2.1 miles)
TYPE OF WALK: A circular walk with escarpment views.
PARKING: Free layby parking along Clodhall Lane. Click here for Google Map point (postcode S32 3YR). Alternatively park at Curbar Gap car park (click here for Google Map Point). Postcode is: S32 3YR. Parking is FREE for National Trust and RSPB members, otherwise you need to pay by cash or card (4 for 4 hours, or £6 for all day). This car park does get very busy at weekends and school holidays, so we suggest you arrive by 9:30am. Don’t risk parking on the double yellow lines, you will be ticketed.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Epic views, boulder climbing, woodland.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids this would be a 1 hour walk. However, with time to stop for playing on boulders and taking in the views, allow for 1.5-2 hours with kids.
TOTAL ASCENT: 112 metres
PUBLIC TOILETS: There are no toilet facilities on this walk. Although during weekends and schools holidays, Jolly’s Coffee and Cake (a cute van-turned-café) can be found at the nearby Curbar Gap car park.
The route
START: Layby parking along Clodhall Lane
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SK 2587 7478
Post code: S32 3YR
what3words: ///renders.merge.mime
Route follows an anticlockwise direction.
1. From the parking bay, walk uphill for 300 metres. Take a left at the footpath sign that leads up to Curbar Edge.
2. Keep following the sign to Curbar Edge and walk through the wooden gate.
3. Continue on this footpath along Curbar Edge for 1.2km, stopping as many times as you like to take in those amazing views or to let the kids clamber over the boulders.
4. You will reach a wooden post marking a split in the path. Take the footpath on the left. After 150 metres this meets up with the main footpath again, so really you have just cut off the corner.
5. 150 metres further on is a footpath sign on your left. Take this footpath that leads downhill in front of Curbar Edge.
6. Follow this footpath through the woodland for 1.2km. It soon levels out and there are lots more boulders to play before walking alongside a drystone wall.
7. Just past a large house on your right, the footpath leads back out onto the road. Take a left and walk up the hill for 150 metres, back to your car.
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Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Peak District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @peakdistrictkids in your caption so we can share with our wider community.
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Want more ideas for family walks?
Best Family Walks in the Peak District
Pram Friendly Peak District walks
Toddler walks in the Peak District
Or, use the search walks page to find your perfect family walk.
Also, come and join our friendly Peak District Kids Facebook Group for any questions or to share photos of your walks.