The Burbage Valley is a short distance from the edge of Sheffield and as such is busy. There is a nice walk for all down and up the Green Drive; from the north to south bridges and back. Burbage Edge itself is a typical Gritstone Edge with the rock climbs being great for introductory rock climbing. On most days you will see many a keen climber out practising their skills. The rocks on Higgar Tor are in a different and more difficult class. This an interesting walk around the Burbage Valley starting at Burbage North Bridge. It is also possible to start at the car park just east of Surprise View on the A6187. From Burbage North Bridge means downhill first then uphill - which is different from most walks. In busy times the car parks here are busy but overall but there is always some space in the car parks or along the road to Higgar Tor

Sheffield

Current Weather

Last Updated today at : 01:44:37

Data from openweathermap.org

First the route makes for Higgar Tor. Take the gate out of the westerly car park and follow the path around some low "crags". The clearly defined path now ascends steadily up to Higgar Tor. Throughout there is a clear view down the Burbage Valley and onto Fox House and Longshaw Estate. On arrival at Higgar Tor, it is worthwhile walking around the top of the rocks, to look over the impressive and sometimes overhanging cliffs. Looking over from the top of Higgar Tor there are a number of paths towards Carl Walk or the Sheepfold. Then look at the map and the paths are drawn differently - confusing. From the high point of Higgar Tor take the significant path (not on map) that goes to the southern corner of the sheepfold. (2.0kms. 30m. 0hrs. 40min.)

From the corner of the sheepfold, follow the path that goes around the rocks and over to Over Owler Tor. There is a great view of Over Owler Tor all the way along the path. Make to the summit and from here look around taking in the view. Keep following the path for 50m or so. Here there is a path crossing. To the right is the path over to Millstone Edge [which is for another day]. Here turn left and follow the path to Mother Cap, which seen from below, is a very significant rock erratic. Follow the path downhill until some rocks just above the car park. The smaller path on the left leads to the A6187, rather than the car park. Cross the road and through the gate to follow the path down to the footbridge over the River Padley. But first go to Owler Tor, another rock structure in this area of the Peak District. The area around the footbridge can be very busy on a hot day. There is a nice path up the true right bank of the river which is followed to the forest and then to the road just uphill from South Burbage bridge. (2.5kms. 20m. 0hrs. 50min.)

From South Burbage Bridge continue along the road and then through the gate at the start of Burbage Drive. This route goes along the top of South and then North Burbage Edge rather than walking along Burbage Drive / Green Drive, although a quicker and easier return is directly up the Drive. Follow the path right, east to climb the slopes towards the top of the crags. Initially the path goes around the top of the large and significant Burbage Quarries and then onto South Burbage Edge itself. The edge is followed until it descends to the gap between the South and North Edges. Ascend again to the top of North Burbage. The top of the North Edge is followed to the road a short distance from the car park. Despite how busy the car parks are, the route along the top of the edge is often quiet although it can be muddy after a prolonged period of wet weather. The walker is near to the edge here and will be walking past the climbers belaying their mates on the rocks. Follow the path to the road and once through the stile turn left to return to the car park. (3.5kms. 60m. 1hrs. 10min.)

2nd December 2023 A freezing morning with deep frost over the whole of the Burbage Valley, and clear blue skies. What more can we ask? A great walk up Over Owler Tor, Higgar Tor, Burbage Valley then down Padley Gorge. Very busy as you would expect on a great day weekend day. [Note they are charging for parking at North Burbage Bridge now and the roadside is busy.]

15th August 2023 A lovely bright sunny August Day. Walked around the full route. First Higgar Tor, Carl Walk and over to Over Owler Tor. The land away from the paths was very wet due to the rain this summer. Summer was here as I walked down to Padley Gorge, then the uphill back to North Burbage Bridge. Not too busy considering this was summer.

24th December 2022 Christmas Eve and it has been raining for the past week or so and the paths are muddy, especially the area from Carl Wlak down to the Green Drive. Today was a shortened route, just out for a stroll actually but great blue sky. Lots of people out, maybe everyone has completed their Christmas shopping.

27th July 2022 Another hot day and the area was quite busy. Seems many people are holidaying at home. July 2022 has been a dry month and the paths are particularly dry. the "Tors" of Over Owler Tor and Mother Cap are really impressive; but the conflict of the paths on the ground and illustrated on the map can be confusing.

29th March 2021 A brilliant sunny pre-Easter day. Blue sky with a few fluffy clouds. The valley really looks good in the spring weather. A short walk from Burbage north bridge, then over Higgar Tor, Carl Walk and to Green Drive. Many people were out but distances were observed.

20th October 2020 A damp and dark day over Burbage Moor but nice to get out. Followed the road from Burbage Bridge, along the footpath, and climbed Higger Tor. Rather than go over to Carl Walk followed the path towards the Sheepfold and then to Winyards Nick. The path marked before here does not exist, or is buried under the heather. A pleasant walk down to Toads Mouth. Due to imminent rain walked back up Green Drive. In such a small area it is possible for a wide variety of routes.

27th December 2019 Short days so a short walk and, due to the rain a muddy walk. The top of burbage rocks was very muddy but a good walk from Burbage Bridge down to the Fox House end of the Green Drive. just seemed too muddy uder foot to get over the river to Carl Walk, or indeed any other way so up the Green Drive. Night close in fast at this time of year especially when the sky is cloudy.

11th August 2019 Done this route many times, good walk for a couple of hours and I usually find myself here after being kept in due to weather. This time it was a good afternoon. Actually only did the first half and then walked back along the Green Drive. The ground between Carl Walk and the .347 was particularly wet. Says something about this summer.