THE SHORTEST & QUICKEST BAMFORD EDGE WALK, PEAK DISTRICT: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE!
WANT TO KNOW THE SHORTEST AND QUICKEST WALKING ROUTE UP TO BAMFORD EDGE, PEAK DISTRICT?
Bamford Edge provides one of the most idyllic viewpoints in the whole of the Peak District. Naturally there are countless walking routes, both long and short, to suit all travellers preferences.
However, if you simply want to complete the Bamford Edge walk in the shortest and easiest way, like we suggest in our Peak District long weekend itinerary, then we have you covered!
From our own personal experience walking this route, scroll down for our first-hand insight on the best place to park for free, and the walking distance to Bamford Edge – all documented with our own photographs that we have taken. Sound good? Let’s go!
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WALK TO THE BAMFORD EDGE VIEWPOINT?
The short Bamford Edge walking route we describe below takes approximately 30 minutes one way to walk to the main Bamford Edge viewpoint from our recommended and closest parking spot.
To begin, it takes 10 to 15 minutes (dependant on your speed) to ascend the moderate incline up the hill, before continuing flat along the hilltop to the main viewpoint.
Spend as much time as you wish at the Ladybower Reservoir viewpoint before returning back down the way you came.
This full return route is just over 2 miles in total, approximately 1 mile there and 1 mile back. The total time for walking we would say is approximately 1 hour, then add on the additional time you intend to stay up there and admire the view.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT THE BAMFORD EDGE WALK?
From our own experience, we would say this short Bamford Edge walk is easy to moderate. The most “challenging” part is the first 10 to 15 minutes, where you will ascend the moderate incline straight up the hill from New Road up to the top of the hill.
After you reach the hilltop, the walk along the hilltop is mainly flat and gives you the chance to catch your breath.
Pictured: The popular Ladybower Reservoir viewpoint as seen from the top of Bamford Edge. In our long weekend Peak District travel itinerary, we recommend completing this short Bamford Edge walking trail at sunset experience jaw-dropping colours and hues.
BAMFORD EDGE PARKING
The best and closest place to park to access the start of this quick and easy Bamford Edge walk is along New Road, a long country road which skirts the outside of the hilly terrain.
We personally found out that New Road is actually a lot longer than it appears on Google Maps, and you should drive further up than you may expect!
When we visited, we just followed the Bamford Edge walk postcode, but that resulted in us parking way too far down New Road by accident, as we were not sure where this Bamford Edge walk started. We ended up adding an extra unnecessary 15 minutes uphill walking onto our journey for our poor legs!
Pictured: Where we parked on New Road following just the postcode, which was a bit too far down from the beginning of the Bamford Edge walk. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Ideally, we suggest parking around this exact spot along New Road to be right next to the Bamford Edge trail starting point! There are no designated parking spaces per say, you just park (respectfully) along the roadside. You’ll see in our photograph below that the road has plenty of space to do so.
Needless to say, this is prime position for most people on the Bamford Edge walk, so ideally get here early during peak times (weekends and public holidays) to park as close as possible to the start of the trail before it gets too busy.
Pictured: The ideal location to park along New Road for the short Bamford Edge walk. As you can see it is right next to the start of the trail! Photograph taken by Jordie.
THE SHORT & QUICK BAMFORD EDGE WALK: A VISUAL STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
POINT 1
As mentioned previously, park along the roadside of New Road – a long country road adjacent to the Bamford Edge hill. New Road is deceivingly long, so ideally park near here which is right at the beginning of this short Bamford Edge Walk trail.
You will see a wooden foot stile next to a closed metal gate. Hop over the wooden foot stile to officially begin the Bamford Edge walk trail with a moderate ascent straight up the hill.
Point 1: The wooden foot stile marking the beginning of this short Bamford Edge walk, plus the route to the top of the hill before you then continue on flat. Photograph taken by Jordie.
POINT 2
After the foot stile, the very beginning of the Bamford Edge walk up the hill begins on a very slight ascent along a clear, obvious and wide dirt path. You will notice the path initially forks off either to the left or right hand side.
We highly recommend sticking to the left-hand side path, which remains on the edge line of the Bamford Edge hill. The right-hand side path will lead you needlessly uphill and make the trail to the top much longer and harder.
Stick to the footpath on the left-hand side for a much quicker and easier progression to the top of Bamford Hill! See the first photograph below.
As you progress further from the base of the hill to the top, the dirt path remains clear but becomes slightly more uneven, with some large rocks underfoot. Dependant on your fitness levels, take your time and extra care here.
Point 2: The very beginning of the Bamford Edge walk up the hill begins on a slight ascent along a clear, obvious wide dirt path. When the path initially forks, make sure you take the left hand path which trails the edge line of the hill. This is the quickest and easiest route to the top of Bamford Edge hill. Photograph taken by Jordie.Point 2: As you begin to ascend higher up Bamford Edge hill, the dirt path remains clear but becomes slightly more uneven, with some large rocks underfoot. Dependant on your fitness levels, take your time and extra care here. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Point 2: Getting there! Almost at the top of the highest point on Bamford Edge. This is what you will aim for before then continuing flat round towards the viewpoint area.
POINT 3
Once you finally reach the top of Bamford Edge hill, take a moment to take in the beautiful Peak District countryside views now visible – whilst also catching your breath and taking a well earned drink!
Point 3: Take in these epic views of the Peak District countryside you will see at the top of the Bamford Edge hill – whilst getting your breath back! Photograph taken by Jordie.
POINT 4
When you are ready, continue straight along the now flat dirt path which clearly skirts the shape of Bamford Edge’s hilltop.
It’ll take around 10 minutes to walk to the “official” Ladybower Reservoir viewpoint area that Bamford Edge is best known for, but nonetheless you’ll be treated to ever-changing countryside views along the way!
Point 4: Continue straight along the now flat dirt path which clearly skirts the shape of Bamford Edge’s hilltop. During your 10 minute walking to the Ladybower Reservoir viewpoint area, you’ll still be treated to gorgeous countryside views along the way! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Point 4: You may even spot a few abseilers along the way! Photograph taken by Jordie.
After approximately 10 minutes, you will begin to see the infamous viewpoint of the Ladybower Reservoir! The entire edge line of the Bamford Edge hill is made up of large boulders (see our photographs below).
This means there is not just one “official” rock to stand on to take a photo with this view, there are actually plenty of photo opportunities for everyone to take their own photos and to actually sit and enjoy the view.
It’s worth mentioning when taking photos at Bamford Edge that the rocks have a sharp drop on the other side of them. This, coupled with the fact this spot on the Bamford Edge trail is notoriously windy due to its exposed location, can be slightly precarious.
Please do make sure you take extra care here and keep yourselves safe!
Pictured: Jordie, Liam and friends at Bamford Edge viewpoint. You can see in the background that there are plenty of spots for people to take their own photos! Photograph taken by Jordie.Pictured: Jordie and Liam at Bamford Edge viewpoint. Pictured: Jordie and Liam at the infamous Ladybower Reservoir viewpoint area that the Bamford Edge walk is so well known for. Despite completing our Bamford Edge walk on a cloudy day, the views of Ladybower Reservoir were just as spectacular!
POINT 6
Spend as long as you like at the viewpoint to take photographs or to simply sit and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of distant Ladybower Reservoir.
Fancy walking on some more? You can extend this Bamford Edge walk if you feel like it by continuing straight, or you can simply return back the way you came.
FACILITIES NEAR THE BAMFORD EGDE WALK
PUBLIC TOILETS NEAR BAMFORD EDGE
While there are no public toilet facilities precisely at Bamford Edge hill itself, there is a public toilet block in nearby Bamford village, called Bamford Public Toilets.
From our ideal car parking spot (i.e. the start of the Bamford Edge trail), it is only a 5 minute drive to these toilets. The same journey would take you 40 minutes to walk there – so it all depends how strong your bladder is!
The Bamford Public Toilets are open and free to use from 10am to 4pm every day, Monday to Sunday.
REFRESHMENTS NEAR BAMFORD EDGE
The closest place to grab a bite to eat, or just a drink, after your short Bamford Edge walk is The Anglers Rest pub, located in nearby Bamford village.
You can either leisurely walk here from the start of the Bamford Edge trail in 40 minutes, or drive here in just 5 minutes.
There is also the highly-rated and pet-friendly Travellers Rest pub nearby, which serves delicious food and drink inside and outside. It is just a 10 minute drive from Bamford Edge, and has its own free small car park designated for the pub.
If you wanted even more choice, Castleton village is just a further 5 minute drive down the road. Here you will find pubs, a few cafés, the quaint Tillys of Castleton Tea Rooms (which we personally visited and would recommend) plus fish and chips.
Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
High factor sun cream.
Additional sun protective clothing, including a sun cap and sunglasses.
A packed lunch / snacks to enjoy with a view when you reach the viewpoint area overlooking Ladybower Reservoir! Take all your rubbish back with you, there are no rubbish bins on the Bamford Edge trail.
IN THE COLDER MONTHS
Lightweight day jacket, we love our Regatta jacket!
Lots of layers of loose clothing to take off / keep on dependant on how cold it is. We would recommend full-length leggings, t-shirts, fleece layer, thick socks, gloves, scarf, bobble hat, etc.
A lightweight rain poncho just in case – you never know with our unpredictable English weather! This could easily apply to the Spring / Summer months too!
Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
A spare pair of normal shoes to change into before you get back in the car! It is likely your boots will get a bit muddy here especially in the Winter months.
CONCLUSION: THE SHORTEST & QUICKEST BAMFORD EGDE WALK
In conclusion, this walking route provides the easiest and shortest route up to the top of Bamford Edge and the wonderful, idyllic Ladybower Reservoir viewpoint that is has become so well known for.
Being a easy to fairly moderate Peak District walk, it is perfect for those with limited time in the Peak District, and do not have the luxury to commit to completing a lengthy walking trail.
Likewise, this route is ideal for those who simply don’t want to walk for hours and want to get straight to the best view!
To truly maximise your experience here, we highly recommend avoiding peak times (weekends and public holidays) if you can, especially on nice weather days. This is because this walking trail will be very busy.
The ideal scenario would be to complete this Bamford Edge walk on a nice weather day, ideally around late afternoon to sunset, on a week day. This way, you should hit the trifecta: No overcrowding, ample parking and ideal weather conditions!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.
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