The Peak District is blessed with some of England’s most iconic landscapes. From rolling green hills to dramatic cloud inversions from the summit of Mam Tor, Britain’s first-ever national park packs a punch when it comes to iconic views.
Today, millions of people make the pilgrimage to the Peak District each year. Many visitors will look to cap their visit with a trip to one of the region’s many spectacular viewpoints. But which one should you choose – especially if you’re short on time?
We’re lucky to live within easy reach of the Peak District and make regular trips there. It’s a close-run thing, but we think you will find the best view in the Peak District at Bamford Edge. Here’s why this rocky outcrop is our favourite spot.
Bamford Edge: a quick summary
Bamford Edge is one of the most popular spots in the Peak District. There’s a good reason for this. With sweeping views over Ladybower Reservoir and out towards the hills and ridges of the Hope Valley, there is no finer place to be.
Location: Bamford Edge rises above the northern edge of the small village of Bamford in northern Derbyshire.
Type of rock: Gritstone.
Height: Bamford Edge stands 420 metres (1381 feet) above sea level at its highest point.
How to get there: An easy walk from nearby car parks or from Bamford train station. Scroll down for more details on how to get to Bamford Edge.
Nearest car park: Heatherdene car park (£6 for an all-day ticket) is the nearest official car park to Bamford Edge. However, there is also (very) limited free parking in the laybys on New Road.
Nearest train station: Bamford is the nearest station station to Bamford Edge, located just over 1 mile from the start of the route from New Road to the gritstone rocks. From the station, you should factor in 50 – 60 minutes to reach the main viewpoint at Bamford Edge.
Why we love Bamford Edge
Bamford Edge is, without a doubt, one of our favourite places in the Peak District. Here are three of the main reasons why we love it.
1) The amazing views of some of the Peak District’s best spots
This almost goes without saying, but the main appeal of Bamford Edge is the amazing views across (in our opinion) the best area of the Peak District. From the windswept moorlands of Kinder Scout to the iconic Great Ridge that rises above the Hope Valley, it is quite remarkable what you can pick out on a clear day. Bring a picnic, a camera, binoculars – take your pick. With views like this, a visit to Bamford Edge is not one to rush.
2) How easy it is to get to Bamford Edge
Bamford Edge is brilliantly accessible. Sandwiched on the Hope Valley railway line between Sheffield and Manchester, this is one of the best Peak District walks for those travelling by train and is suitable for almost all abilities and fitness levels. We have seen everybody from tiny toddlers to older generations enjoying the sweeping views from Bamford Edge. Of course, at 420 metres above sea level, you should expect an incline no matter which route you take. Take your time and enjoy the views as you stroll towards the viewpoint.
3) The changing seasons
Bamford Edge is spectacular at all times of the year. Summer is a treat, with purple heather spread across the distant moorlands. Autumn is, unsurprisingly, spectacular, with beautiful colours in the surrounding woodlands and an excellent chance to see a cloud inversion on a crisp, early morning. Meanwhile, a snowy winter’s day is hard to beat – providing you are suitably equipped.
Three things to spot from Bamford Edge
From distant hikers to beautiful reservoirs, here are three things to look out for when enjoying the views from Bamford Edge.
1) The glistening waters of Ladybower Reservoir
As you make your way to the gritstone cliffs at Bamford Edge, the blue waters of Ladybower Reservoir are the star of the show. From the cliffs, your eyes pass from the hillside covered in bracken and woodland to the shores of Ladybower, with its famous viaduct over which Snake Road (the A57) runs.
At the right angle, the cliffs at Bamford Edge provide an ideal place for one of the Peak District’s most iconic photo opportunities. Expect to see dozens of people standing on the rocky outcrops, trying to snap the perfect shot.
2) The dozens of hikers atop Win Hill
A (relative) stone’s throw from Bamford Edge, Win Hill rises above the Ladybower Dam to the west of Bamford Edge. At 463 metres (1519 feet), it makes for a pleasant walk from Bamford or the nearby village of Hope. The routes to the top of Win Hill are direct and fairly straightforward, making it one of the most popular hikes in the area. As such, there will likely be crowds of people at the top on a sunny summer’s day. From Bamford Edge, the silhouettes of hikers are easy to spot – see how many you can count.
3) The spectacular Great Ridge
Stretching for nearly 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) from the dramatic summit of Mam Tor to the popular peak of Lose Hill, the Great Ridge is perhaps the most famous walk in this area of the Peak District. From Bamford Edge, you can see the route in the distance, and can just about make out the faint outlines of hikers enjoying the stroll. Another spectacular sight.
How to get to Bamford Edge
There are two main options if you’re looking to head to Bamford Edge to enjoy the best view in the Peak District. Most people drive, but we do recommend checking out the train timetables if you can. We’ve listed out a summary of both car and rail options below.
Getting to Bamford Edge by car
The most popular way to get to Bamford Edge is by car. For those driving, there are two main spots – Heatherdene Car Park and the laybys on New Road. Here’s how to do it.
Note: The Peak District can get very busy with cars, particularly during school holidays. We recommend setting off early to avoid the worst of the traffic and secure a parking space. Or, if you can, consider catching the train.
1) Bamford Edge from Heatherdene Car Park
The nearest major car park to Bamford Edge is Heatherdene.
Cost: £6 for all-day parking. You can pay with cash or card
Facilities: Public toilets – pleasant and clean.
Length: The walk from Heatherdene Car Park to Bamford Edge is around 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) in total. This allows for slight detours to explore off-route.
Time: The time needed for the walk from Heatherdene to Bamford Edge depends on your fitness and how many stops you take. We recommend budgeting around 3 hours in total for the return trip. However, you may take longer or shorter depending on your pace.
The route from Heatherdene Car Park
The route from Heatherdene car park is fairly simple:
- Pass the public toilets and follow a long, straight footpath that runs parallel to the road.
- When you reach a fork in the path, take a left and walk up through the woods.
- As you emerge from the woods, you may be able to see the rocky cliffs of Bamford Edge above you. However, keep following the path marked by white arrows. This skirts the edge of the gnarly woodland below.
- The path ascends with the woodland on your left before, eventually, you leave the trees behind and arrive at the moorland.
- You will meet a path and turn right, heading straight towards the cliffs of Bamford Edge. The best view in the Peak District awaits!
2) Bamford Edge from New Road
There is a small layby on New Road right next to the start of the walk to Bamford Edge. Depending on how people park, there is room for a dozen or so cars here – maybe more, maybe less.
This is the quickest and easiest way to get to Bamford Edge.
Cost: It is free to park in the layby. However, the layby will fill up very early.
Facilities: None – this is a very basic, no-frills place to leave your car.
Length: This is a very short route – just 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) or so.
Time: Depending on your fitness, it could take as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
The route from New Road
This is an easy route and should be simple to follow in good conditions.
1: When you park, you will notice a stile in a small wooden fence. Cross that stile and choose your path.
2: As a general rule of thumb, just make sure you are heading uphill and keeping to the left towards Bamford Edge. You will come across a few forks in paths, but they should lead to the same area. It’s up to you which path you want to take.
3: Before long, the cliffs of Bamford Edge will come into view, and you can follow the route to your chosen viewpoint and enjoy the vista.
Getting to Bamford Edge by train
Thanks to its prime position on the Hope Valley line that connects Sheffield with Manchester, Bamford station is a popular starting point for many of the Peak District’s most beloved walks. This includes the hike up to Bamford Edge.
1) Bamford Edge from Bamford station
Distance: 3 kilometres (2 miles) one-way.
1: Alight at Bamford and follow Station Road heading north towards the village.
2: Walk through the village of Bamford along Main Road. When you reach a small square with a large tree in the middle of a traffic island, you should leave the main road behind and turn right.
3: With the large tree on your left, follow this smaller road straight until you reach a small lane known as The Clough.
4: Follow The Clough uphill until you reach the New Road layby described above. Then, follow the route from New Road to reach Bamford Edge.
Read next: A night climb of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in North Wales.
The downside to Bamford Edge
There is one significant disadvantage to Bamford Edge. In short, it is incredibly popular. If you visit on a sunny weekend afternoon, you will likely share the rocky outcrops with dozens – if not hundreds – of fellow hikers.
Bamford Edge’s prime location and easy access from both Sheffield and Manchester by rail make it a favoured spot for day trippers to the national park. The rocks can become busy with friends, couples and photographers trying to get the perfect shot or selfie of the best view in the Peak District.
Nevertheless, if you are careful with your timings, you can still enjoy Bamford Edge in relative solitude.
The best time to go to Bamford Edge
If you want to explore Bamford Edge without the crowds, you need to go as early as possible. Unsurprisingly, midweek mornings are your best bet. You will likely share the rocks with a handful of other admirers – dedicated joggers and maybe the occasional photographer with a tripod looking for that perfect sunrise shot.
The moorland around Bamford Edge is famous for its heather. This makes it a perfect spot during the summer months. The heather in the Peak District is at its best in summer – particularly in August. However, the precise high season does vary from year to year.
Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit Bamford Edge, as the surrounding woodland becomes bright with rich orange and reds in the trees.
No matter what time of year you visit, the best time of day is sunrise and sunset. This is when the lighting conditions are at their best, and the views are even more spectacular.
Sunset can be a busy time, but sunrise is likely to be fairly quiet – a worthy reward for an early alarm.
Read next: 40 photos of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in the snow.
Three other brilliant places for an amazing view in the Peak District
Whilst we think that Bamford Edge is the best view in the Peak District, there are plenty of other fantastic spots nearby. Here are three of the best alternatives in the area.
1) The Great Ridge
The classic Peak District view with possibly the most photographed gate in the entire UK. The views from the top of Mam Tor are a classic, but it’s further down the Great Ridge that things really come into their own.
Stare back at Mam Tor’s impressive crumbling face, or gaze further down towards Lose Hill and Back Tor. With views of both Edale and Castleton on either side, this certainly rivals Bamford Edge in the search for the best view in the Peak District.
2) Stanage Edge
Not too far from Bamford Edge, Stanage Edge is 3.5 miles of pure gritstone. A favourite among rock climbers, it is a less-busy alternative to Bamford Edge and offers some splendid views – particularly on the northwestern slopes, when the Peak District’s wild moorlands appear to be a vast, unbroken wilderness stretching towards the horizon.
3) Ringing Roger above Edale
Another gritstone classic, Ringing Roger is a small outcrop that rises above the village of Edale. It’s a steep but straightforward walk from the village, and your efforts are rewarded with brilliant views over the immense Kinder Plateau and out towards the Great Ridge.
The best view in the Peak District: our final thoughts
Whilst Bamford Edge may be one of the busier viewpoints in the Peak District, there is a good reason for its popularity.
Few places offer such dramatic and varied views in such an accessible location. Sure, you may share the experience with plenty of others, but that needn’t impact your enjoyment too much. With families, young children, groups of friends and older couples, it’s lovely to see a spot like this being appreciated by so many.
Of course, if you want to avoid the crowds, you can be strategic about when you visit. See you there for sunrise.