9 Edges Challenge Walk
As the 9 Edges name suggests, this approximately 22 mile challenge walk links nine of the Peak Districts’ famous Gritstone Edges. Easy walking with no sharp ridges or huge ascents make this, along with the Edale Skyline an ideal first longer distance challenge walk.
We run the 9 Edges challenge walk on a bespoke basis only. Each group is led by an expert local guide, so you don’t need to worry about navigating the route or the logistics. You will also have the opportunity to learn something about The Peak District along the way.
Beyond the Edge are one of the most experienced providers of mountain adventures in the UK. Our small team of highly qualified and hugely experienced instructors all think its important that the event is run in a fun and friendly manner. We all take great pride in the very high percentage of individuals who return for further challenge walks, events and courses.
Our open itineraries for the challenge walk broadly follow the standard 9 Edges race route from Fairholmes to the Robin Hood pub below Birchen Edge. For bespoke groups we can adjust the route or increase the challenge with a winter round if required. An average group will complete the 22 mile challenge walk in between seven and ten hours.
If you really want a leg buster, link it with our Edale Skyline Challenge and you have the Hat class SkyNine challenge!
9 Edges Challenge walk – Event Format
After meeting your guide for the day, (normally around 8am in Baslow) we do a quick equipment check and safety brief. We leave your vehicles and hop on our transport for a twenty minute drive to Fairholmes and the start of the 9 Edges walk.
There is a toilet at the visitor centre at Fairhomes for any last minute calls of nature before starting. It is a stiff climb but not huge as we head up to Back Tor the highest point on the route at 538m. After tagging the summit Trig point, we turn south along Derwent Edge (9 Edges No 1) and enjoy great views down to Ladybower reservoir as we take a good path gently downhill following the Edge.
A good path continues as we turn away from Derwent Edge and head towards Moscar and the beginning of Stanage Edge (9 Edges No 2)
As we traverse this we are sure to spot climbers who come from all over the world to climb on this iconic edge.
Burbage North (9 Edges No 3) by Burbage South (9 Edges No 4) lead us to the National Trust Longshaw Estate and its cafe! For those in need there is also a pub 100m just off the route!
Wide even paths now speed us over Froggatt (9 Edges No 5) Curbar (9 Edges No 6) and Baslow Edges (9 Edges No 7) The race route heads to Birchen Edge (9 Edges No 8) the briefest of nods to Gardoms Edge (9 Edges No 9) then down to our finish point at the Robin Hood Inn.
Weary legs can be rested and essential post walk rehydration🍷🍻 can commence basking in the glow go a great walk completed.
Don’t forget we can arrange climbing and or abseiling for the group along the route if required. You do after all pass along 9 Edges!
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: £375 per group
- Duration: 1 long day
- Ratio: 1:8
- Level: Introduction
More Information
-
Bespoke Dates and Locations
The 9 Edges Challenge Walk runs on a bespoke basis. Please contact the office and we will arrange a package to suit your requirements. As a guide price for a bespoke group of 8 it would be £375.
-
Meeting Point
We normally meet at around 8am in / near the village of Baslow in the Peak District.
-
Equipment Required
A detailed equipment list is contained in the joining instructions. Essentially, you need to be self sufficient for a day in the hills. We will provide all the group safety equipment.
-
Fitness Level
You don’t have to be super fit to enjoy the 9 Edges challenge walk. To traverse the 9 Edges in around 10 hours a good general fitness is quite sufficient.
Obviously the fitter you are the the easier it is. Some handy hints for improving your fitness are contained in the joining instructions.
-
Accommodation Options
The 9 Edges challenge is normally non-residential to allow you to select between a thermarest or 5 star hotel as you require.
There is lots of accommodation in the Hope Valley and we recommend The Sir William hotel which offers BtE clients a discounted rate.
Other options are listed on our Accommodation page. For bespoke events if you would like us to arrange accommodation, just let us know.
Gallery
FAQs
-
How do I book 9 Edges Challenge Walk?
For bespoke 9 Edges walks get in touch first so we can check diaries and if required give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
-
Does the event include accommodation ?
Not usually! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel.
In the Peak District we work out of the Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food. We recommend that you stay here as they are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers, offer a 10% discount to BtE clients and it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room!
If this doesn’t suit you for whatever reason, further accommodation options can be found on our accommodation page.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
-
Children, Dogs, Parking, COVID and everything else...
You will find all of the most frequently asked questions and their answers on our FAQ webpage
