Millstone Edge is a scenic cliff face that sits above Hathersage village in the Peak District. It is distinct for its saw-like jagged edges and red hue. While known more among climbers, it offers an incredible walk along the top, which can be completed in just 30 minutes. Along the way you can visit Mother Cap and experience panoramic views of Stanage Edge, Higger Tor, Hope Valley, Grindleford and Sheffield.
Millstone Edge Walk Details
Easy
00:30
1.2 mi
+/-40m
Gear: Outdoor gear isn’t required in most conditions but opt for shoes with grip. One small area gets boggy after extended rain so waterproof shoes come in handy. You could be exposed to the rain for up to 15 minutes before finding cover so pack a coat if grey clouds are looming.
Dogs: Dogs should be kept on the lead as there are cows and sheep grazing in the area. However, the open space is vast so you should be fine if there are no livestock in sight and your dog is well behaved. Due to the abundant shrubbage you may not always have visibility of small dogs.
Local rules: National Park Authority states that visitors should leave no trace for litter or dog waste (there are no bins), avoid camping, fireworks, and fires.
Surprise View is the most accessible beauty spot in the Peak District, situated at the start of Millstone Edge. The walk is short, dynamic and suitable for any fitness level while offering a huge pay off if you’re looking for amazing countryside views. While some trails are seasonal, this one is ideal all-year round. The high elevation and west-facing cliff face that overlooks Hope Valley forms the perfect spot to enjoy some of the most sublime sunsets in the region. Plus, its close proximity to Millstone Country Inn pub and Hathersage village gives you plenty of options to extend your trip into a day out or longer walks to Higger Tor and Stanage Edge.
Elevation: 331 metres above sea level. The way there is a short, steady incline and going back is a steady decline.
Terrain: Uneven moorland dirt paths.
Stiles: No
Supplies (in Hathersage):
- Texaco station Spar
- OneStop
- Go Outdoors
- Outside
- Alpkit
Toilets:
- Hathersage visitor centre (back)
Places to eat:
- Coleman’s Deli
- Bank house restaurant and bar
- Maazi’s Indian restaurant
- Open House
- Cintra’s Tea room
- Hathersage Kitchen by Evangeline
- Hathersage bakery
Pubs:
- The Millstone Country Inn
- The Scotsman’s pack
- The George hotel
- Little John hotel
Millstone Edge is situated just off Hathersage Road between Sheffield and Hathersage Booths.
By train: Get the Manchester Piccadilly/Sheffield Northern train to Hathersage station. Walk down Station Road to Hathersage visitor centre on the Main road and catch the 272/271 bus to Sheffield. Get off at ‘Surprise View’ (approx. 6 minutes). Press the bell when the bus reaches the top of the hill and turns a sharp left.
By Bus: The best bus routes are the 272/271 Sheffield to Castleton Hulleys and First buses every hour. You can also get the 173 bus to Castleton from Bakewell Square if you want to access Hathersage from a non-connected village in the Peak District. Stagecoach also run an open top BLUE tour bus that passes through Hathersage going around the peak park from Sheffield.
By car: Use your GPS or Google Maps to get to surprise view car park in Step 1. Further down the bend towards Hathersage there is also a lay-by which is free but could add up 30 minutes onto your walk. Feel free to park along Hathersage Main Road and walk up the hill to Millstone but it’s an extra 45-50 minutes each way.
Step 1 - Surprise View Car Park
When you go through the entrance of Surprise View car park, you’ll see the pay machine and disabled spaces. Go straight ahead through the nearby gate and continue through the woods. Within 5 minutes you’ll emerge above the trees into moorlands with rock formations scattered around. In the distance you’ll see Mother Cap, a giant square-like rock. Keep going straight until you reach it.
Step 2 - Mother Cap
Mother Cap is a great stop for climbing the rock and taking photos. From here you can see another giant formation of rocks in the distance. Continue straight to them.
Step 3 - To Millstone Edge Viewpoint
As you’re arriving at the rocks (a great hang out spot to view Hathersage, Mother Cap, Stanage Edge and Higger Tor all at once), there’s a rocky path to your left going to the top end of Millstone Edge. Descend down and follow the path for 4 minutes until you reach a fence at the end.
Step 4 - Going down Millstone Edge
Now you’re at the main views on Millstone Edge. To your right there is a gate to access a grass area and you can actually go down a steep path to take a look a the unique jagged cliff face. But to follow the path back, simply turn left back towards the car park, sticking to the right until you reach a gate in front. Along the way down there is another gate to your right where you can also sit and relax on a flat grass area with a nice view overlooking Hathersage and the surrounding Peak District countryside (the best spot for sunsets).
When you’re at the bottom gate, go left and follow the path back to the car park.
Note: these beautiful pictures with colourful skies are not edited. This was taken on a late afternoon/early evening at the start of November. The scenery changes a lot throughout the year and even different times of the day so it’s well worth a regular visit.
This walk is easy to do in reverse. Simply start going left from the entrance (west) towards Surprise View.