SK2581 : Higger Tor
Rocky moorland walking; route-dependent

Higger Tor

435m Elevation
22m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

SK2581 : Higger Tor

Brian Frost Photo source

Overview

Higger Tor is a 434.8 m gritstone tor above the Burbage Valley in the Peak District. Its rocky top has views of Carl Wark and Burbage Rocks. Walking approaches range from the moorland path from Upper Burbage Bridge to longer circuits through Stanage Edge, Longshaw and Padley Gorge.

Higger Tor

Higger Tor reaches 434.8 metres above sea level, overlooking the Burbage Valley in the Peak District. This Ethel has a broad, rocky top with gritstone outcrops and views towards Carl Wark, Burbage Rocks and the surrounding moorland.

Walking

Upper Burbage Bridge offers a northern approach to the summit. Circular walks can combine Higger Tor with Carl Wark and Burbage Rocks; longer outings link it with Stanage Edge or with Longshaw and Padley Gorge.

The ground is uneven and rocky, with steep drops around the outcrops. Moorland paths can become boggy after rain, and exposed sections need particular care in strong wind, low cloud or darkness. Use a suitable map and keep to the walking paths around the crags.

Landscape and heritage

The tor is formed from Chatsworth Grit, a coarse sandstone within the Carboniferous Millstone Grit succession. Its boulders and rocky slopes rise above heather moorland.

Carl Wark is the lower fortified outcrop to the southeast. Its construction date is uncertain; Historic England records probable prehistoric defences and possible post-Roman reuse. Nearby Stanage Edge includes the separate summits of High Neb and White Path Moss.

Getting there

Upper Burbage Bridge has a small, paid car park. Woodcroft car park at Longshaw is an alternative for a longer walk, with a café and toilets nearby. Spaces are limited, so use designated bays and check current signs and opening times.

The 271/272 bus services stop at Fox House, with an onward walk through the Burbage area. Grindleford station provides a longer approach through Padley Gorge. Check the return timetable before setting out.

Explore routes near Higger Tor

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

White Edge, Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge loop.

13.6 km ~2h 42m Easy

View route

Hathersage festive guided walk

View route

Padley Gorge and Carl Wark

View route

Padley Gorge and Carl Wark

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Higger Tor, Carl Wark and Burbage Rocks Circular

From Upper Burbage Bridge, follow Burbage Rocks towards the A6187, cross carefully and continue through the lower valley to Toad's Mouth. Cross Hathersage Moor to Carl Wark, climb Higger Tor and return towards Upper Burbage Bridge. Walk Peak District publishes this 6.5 km circuit, with rocky ground, road crossings and boggy patches.

6.5 km Rocky moorland and road crossings

Hathersage, Stanage Edge and Higger Tor Circular

A circuit from Hathersage via North Lees, Stanage Edge, Upper Burbage Bridge and Higger Tor, returning by Callow Bank and Toothill. Visit Peak District & Derbyshire publishes it as 9 miles (about 14.5 km). Expect a sustained walk over rocky, exposed ground, with road sections.

14.5 km Long, rocky moorland circuit

Higger Tor and Burbage Rocks Circular

From Upper Burbage Bridge, follow the path below Burbage Rocks, cross Burbage Brook and climb Higger Tor, then return beside Fiddler's Elbow. Peak District Kids publishes this as a 4.5 km circuit. Paths are rocky and uneven, and the valley crossing can be muddy or boggy.

4.5 km Uneven, exposed and sometimes boggy

Grindleford, Padley Gorge and Higger Tor Circular

From Grindleford station, climb towards Longshaw, continue below Burbage Rocks to Upper Burbage Bridge, then return over Higger Tor and Carl Wark before descending Padley Gorge. Derbyshire Heritage Walks publishes this circuit as 7 miles (about 11.3 km). Includes road crossings and a long ascent over woodland and moorland paths.

11.3 km Long woodland and moorland circuit

Higger Tor from Upper Burbage Bridge

Follow the moorland path south from Upper Burbage Bridge towards Higger Tor and retrace it after visiting the rocky summit. This uses the northern approach described by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. Uneven paths and exposed rocks require care, especially in darkness or poor visibility.

Uneven moorland; exposed rocky summit
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Ethel

Elevation

435m

1,427 ft

Prominence

22m

Coordinates

53.3338, -1.6151

SK257819

OS Map

110

Explorer: OL1E

At the Summit

Gritstone tor with a broad rocky top and several outcrops. The source catalogue also notes a tor about 90 m west at SK 25640 81927 of similar height.

Terrain & Geology

Gritstone outcrops rocky and uneven footpaths open heather moorland boggy ground after rain

Higger Tor is formed from Chatsworth Grit, a coarse sandstone within the Carboniferous Millstone Grit succession. Weathered gritstone forms the summit outcrops and bouldery slopes.

Views & Scenery

Views across the Burbage Valley towards Burbage Rocks, with Carl Wark below and open moorland beyond.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Higger Tor overlooks the scheduled hillfort of Carl Wark. The fort's construction date is uncertain; Historic England describes probable prehistoric defences and possible post-Roman reuse.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Upper Burbage Bridge car park on Ringinglow Road is a convenient northern approach. The National Park Authority lists 25 spaces, including 3 accessible bays, with pay-and-display and RingGo (51727). Woodcroft car park at Longshaw provides a longer approach. Check current charges and signs; parking is limited.

Public Transport

The 271/272 Sheffield–Hathersage–Castleton services stop at Fox House; continue on foot through the Burbage area. Grindleford station offers a longer approach via Padley Gorge. Check current timetables and the return journey before setting out.

Nearby Facilities

A café and toilets are available at Longshaw; check National Trust opening times. The hill and Upper Burbage Bridge walking start have no toilets. Bring water and food for the walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Steep, unfenced drops around gritstone outcrops
  • Uneven rocky paths and eroded summit approaches
  • Boggy moorland after rain and difficult navigation in poor visibility
  • Traffic at road crossings on longer circuits

Seasonal Hazards

Wet weather can leave moorland paths boggy and rocks slippery. Snow, ice and low cloud can make exposed rocky sections harder to negotiate.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Higger Tor?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Higger Tor through the maps

Are there other walkers around Higger Tor?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Higger Tor search or of course create your own walk for Higger Tor

Can I organise a walk to Higger Tor?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Higger Tor.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Higger Tor?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Higger Tor here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Higger Tor location map

Grid reference: SK257819

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Kinder Scout

Kinder Scout

636m

The Roaches

505m

Rombalds Moor [Ilkley Moor]

402m

 Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill

557m

Winter Hill

456m
See 5 more nearby hills