We are the Broxtowe Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a classic walk along the river Derwent and two of the finest gritstone edges. Starting from the car park at Curbar Gap, passing through Curbar, Calver, Grindleford and Upper Padley villages, before returning along the edges. It’s a walk for any season, and there’s always something of interest to see. Red deer sightings are commonplace on the tracts of moorlands between Froggatt/Curbar and White Edge. We will get good views of the impressive Calver Mill, which was used in the TV drama serial, Colditz. We will also pass Padley Chapel, with its grim tale of Catholic martyrdom during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Bring a packed lunch. There are refreshments available from the start/finish car park, Grindleford Station Café, and the National Trust visitor centre at Longshaw Estate, but queues can be prohibitive on busy days. There are public toilets on this route at Longshaw, and also at Grindleford Station Café, but the café owners are pretty strict about only allowing patrons to use them.
Bearing in mind this is the autumn season, it is essential that walkers bring warm clothing, waterproofs; and that they wear strong waterproof footwear. Although escape routes are numerous on this walk, you should be prepared for poor weather conditions, regardless of the forecast on the day. Underfoot conditions can be challenging, with tree roots, boulders and muddy sections to negotiate.
Meet at the Curbar Gap car park, which is situated on Clodhall Lane, between Curbar village and Wadshelf. This is a pay car park which is free to NT or RSPB members (display membership card on dash). Arrive in good time as this car park is popular due to the close proximity of Curbar and White edges
