Shorter Carl Wark and Higger Tor

About trip

Distance: 3 3/4 miles (6km) Time: 2 hours Terrain: Easy / Moderate; boggy sections Description: There are many enigmas in the Peak District: stone circles, cairns and burial mounds were left by a community which had no means of conveying their purpose to us. Possibly of slightly later antiquity, Carl Wark hill fort hints of the need for tribes of the time to protect themselves from attack. We cannot tell whether this fort is Iron Age or even post Roman, but what is certain is that it was built in such a way that even the siege of time has had little effect. Directions: a From the Longshaw Estate car park, walk through the narrow belt of beechwoods to the estate lodge. Cross the B6521 to enter a stretch of mixed woodland flanking the A625 below the Fox House Inn. b Join the A625 at Burbage Bridge. Follow the road as far as the Toad’s Mouth rock. c Look out for a stile set back from the road about 100yds (90m) past Toad’s Mouth rock. Cross it and follow an upward path across the moor, through heather and bracken. Aim for the prominent knoll of Carl Wark. d Cross the low col beyond the fort and climb the wide peaty path towards the rocks of Higger Tor. e Clamber across the summit rocks and follow the escarpment to the right. Follow the moorland path parallel to Fiddler’s Elbow road. f Cross both of the streams beneath the bridges and join the green track. g Follow the track past a series of abandoned gritstone quarries as far as the main road. h Cross the road and go through a kissing gate. Pick up the path and follow back through the trees to the car park. Places of Interest: 1 Toad’s Mouth. This rock stands at the side of the road. When viewed from below, the projecting snout and carved eye are said to resemble the head of a toad but you will not be alone if you feel that the likeness is closer to a moray eel! 2 Carl Wark hill fort. The massive stone walls of the outer perimeter of this defensive point have stood the test of time. Traces of hut foundations and water troughs can still be seen. Notice also how the walls overshadow the two entrance points. 3 Viewpoint. Carl Wark is below on its natural eminence with the Derwent Valley and heather clad moors stretching into the distance. 4 Viewpoint. Burbage Brook follows its rocky way from its moorland birth. A plantation of mixed conifers adds to the pleasant scene.