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The Burbage Valley is a short distance from the edge of Sheffield and a popular destination. 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 walk begins at the Surprise View car park, at the south of the Burbage valley, and climbs up to Higgar Tor before walking north to the top of Burbage valley by the road bridge. The way south is along the top of Burbage Edge than a nice walk down by the lower Burbage Brook then back to the car park.

First the route makes for Higgar Tor. Leave the parking by the footpath that goes through the wood from the back of the car park. Follow the path uphill until the first of the large rock structures is reached. This is Mother Cap. Continue uphill to reach the second rock structure of Over Owler Tor. Look north from here to see the first target - Higgar Tor. Follow the path north to reach the large rectangular sheepfold. Follow a path along the top of the sheepfold and keep to the path that climbs directly to Higgar Tor. On arrival at Higgar Tor, it is worthwhile walking around the top of the rocks, to look over the impressive and sometimes overhanging cliffs. There is a good view from the top of Higgar Tor with a complete view of this walk around the Burbage Valley, and further afield down the Derwent Valley. (2.5kms. 150m. 1hrs. 10min.)

Looking north from Higgar Tor, the Upper Burbage Bridge is clearly viible. Follow the path that descends from Higgar Tor and makes it's way to Upper Burbage Bridge. The walker will usually see a large number of cars in the area of Burbage bridge. It is popular with many due to thenproximity to Sheffield. Once underneath the bridge cross the two streams easily and climb to the east to reach the standing stone and seat. There is a nice walk down the Green Drive to the Lower Burbage Bridge, but for this walk we take the high route. Climb the footpath that follows the top of North Burbage Edge. Walking along the north edge gives great views down the Derwent Valley. After a short descent a large pile of stones is reached. This marks the end of the north edge, and the start of the south edge. Climb up to the south edge and walk along the top until you reach the Burbage Quarry that marks the end of Burbage Edge. Now descend via the path to the gate that leads onto the A6187. To the right is the lower Burbage bridge. Now cross the road and enter the wood via a gate. Follow the path alongside the stream and it makes it's way top the footbridge over the river. Take the path on the right to climb over to the rocks of Owler Tor. This is another erratic rock, looking more impressive on it's east side. From here walk along the path to again reach the road. Cross this and wlak along the path a shrt distance to the car park. (5.0kms. 50m. 1hrs. 40min.)

25th April 2025 Not a full circuit of the Burbage valley, but a nice route up Higgar Tor and Carl Walk before going down to the Green Drive and back to the North Bridge. the route from carl Walk down to the valley if often very wet but after the heat and lack of rain it was the driest that I have seen.

14th October 2024 A lovely autumn day, cold but clear. A great walk past Higgar Tor to Burbage and back to Surprise View Car Park. Great views over the norther Peak District, including Kinder and Bleaklow.

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.