Bamford Edge

Iconic gritstone ridge above Ladybower Reservoir delivering one of the Peak District's most photographed views.

Why go

  • The two overhanging gritstone outcrops on the ridge deliver a straight-down view over Ladybower Reservoir that has made this one of the most photographed spots in the Peak District.
  • The short route from the New Road layby reaches the viewpoint in under 20 minutes, making it accessible for families and those short on time, while a longer circular option takes in the reservoir dam and woodland.
  • The ridge is very exposed and can be seriously windy; the path back down becomes slippery after heavy rain or snow, so boots are strongly advised.
  • Bamford Edge is also a traditional climbing crag with around 150 routes, so expect climbers on the rock below the path on fine weekends.
  • The Anglers Rest, a community-owned pub and cafe in Bamford village, is a short walk away and sits naturally at the end of any circular route.

Full route

Bamford Edge Ladybower Circular
3.5 mi / 5.6 km · 124 m · 1.5 to 2 hours · Moderate
The most popular route. Start from the New Road layby (S33 0AD). Cross the stile and take the left-hand path for a steadier ascent. The path steepens initially then eases as you gain the ridge. Walk south-west along the edge past the first gritstone outcrop to the larger overhanging viewpoint with Ladybower directly below. Continue along the ridge to its southern end. Descend via the moorland path to the road, then follow the route down to Ladybower Dam. Cross the dam and follow the reservoir path and woodland trail back to the car park or layby.
  1. 1. Start at the New Road layby (S33 0AD). Cross the stile at the roadside to join the hillside footpath.
  2. 2. At the immediate fork take the left-hand path -- it gives a steadier gradient than the direct line straight uphill.
  3. 3. Push up the steepest section (roughly the first 200 m); the gradient eases once you clear the initial slope.
  4. 4. Follow the ridge path south-west, passing the first gritstone outcrop, to reach the larger overhanging platform -- the classic viewpoint over Ladybower.
  5. 5. Continue along the edge to its southern end where a wall curves around the path.
  6. 6. Descend the moorland slope, which steepens towards the bottom; take care on wet or icy ground.
  7. 7. Reach the road and follow it down to Ladybower Dam at the southern end of the reservoir.
  8. 8. Cross the dam and pick up the reservoir-side path heading north through mixed woodland.
  9. 9. Follow the path back along the reservoir bank to return to the Heatherdene area or retrace to the New Road layby.
Bamford Edge Circular (full loop via Bamford village)
8.8 mi / 14.2 km · 412 m · 4 to 4.5 hours · Moderate
A longer mixed-terrain loop taking in Ladybower Reservoir, woodland, farmland and open hillside as well as the edge itself. Includes some road sections; care needed on rougher descents in wet conditions. Parking is limited so arrive early on weekends.
  1. 1. Start from Heatherdene car park (S33 0BY) or New Road layby (S33 0AD).
  2. 2. Follow the reservoir-side path south along Ladybower's eastern bank.
  3. 3. Cross Ladybower Dam at the southern end and follow the road into Bamford village.
  4. 4. From Bamford, follow footpaths and lanes north-east, ascending through farmland towards the edge.
  5. 5. Gain the ridge at the southern end of Bamford Edge and follow the path north-west along the gritstone escarpment.
  6. 6. Pass the overhanging viewpoint outcrops with Ladybower below.
  7. 7. Continue to the northern end of the edge and descend via moorland paths, crossing Jarvis Clough.
  8. 8. Follow the bridleway and field paths back down to the road and return to the start.

Bamford Edge

Bamford Edge is a gritstone rock outcrop sitting roughly 1.5 kilometres north of the village of Bamford in Derbyshire, perched at around 390 to 400 metres above sea level. The ridge faces south-west over the Hope Valley, and from the two famous overhanging gritstone outcrops you get an unobstructed panorama across Ladybower Reservoir and Win Hill — on a clear day the view stretches far into the Dark Peak moorland. The edge is also a serious traditional climbing venue with around 150 routes graded D to E7, so on weekends you will likely see climbers on the crag below the path.

The most popular approach is the short circular from the free roadside laybys on New Road (postcode S33 0AD), which gets you onto the edge within 10 to 15 minutes of leaving the car. The path begins steeply up a well-worn dirt track, eases off after the first push, then runs along the ridge passing two large protruding gritstone platforms — the second and further one is the classic photo spot. The descent back is gradual and comfortable. For a longer day out, the full Bamford Edge Ladybower Circular extends the loop down to Ladybower Dam and back through mixed terrain of woodland, reservoir path and open hillside.

The trailhead layby on New Road fills quickly on sunny weekends, so aim to arrive before 9am or use the paid Heatherdene car park (S33 0BY) as a fallback. Heatherdene has toilets, a water fountain and is occasionally served by an ice cream van in summer. The Anglers Rest in Bamford village — a community-owned pub, cafe and post office — makes a natural finish to any circular route.

5.6 km Distance 3.5 mi
124 m Ascent
1.5 to 2 hours Duration
Moderate Difficulty

Reviews

5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Deepa Gurung 2 weeks ago
★★★★★

Lovely view of Castleton from the edge. You can park right next to the hiking trail start point which will save 30mins of walking. Slightly steep at the top otherwise lovely moderate trail.

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