Axe Edge Moor & Cat & Fiddle Circular Walk (7 miles)

Above: The route passes through Danebower Quarry between 13 & 14 on the map.

Click for a pdf with stage-by-stage details of the route including photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX file is also available.

Length: 7.1mls | Av. time: 3hrs | Ascent: 823ft
Start: Derbyshire Bridge car park | Google Map
Walk description, map & GPX | Download

A 7.1-mile circular walk from Derbyshire Bridge car park, close to the source of the River Goyt, across fairly bleak and open moorland.

The first section can get muddy, so walking boots are a good idea in autumn and winter, or after a lot of rain. There’s also a layby for around 12 cars on the A54 Buxton to Leek road, between points 16 and 17 on the pdf map.

The route follows the old turnpike before crossing the A537 onto moorland dotted with old coal workings, then heads past Orchard Farm towards the River Dane.

The Dane and the Cat & Fiddle

The track passes the remains of Danebower Stone Quarry, once a hive of noisy activity, before crossing the Dane – usually just a shallow stream, though a walking pole can help when it’s running high.

A short detour from point 10 leads to Three Shires Head, where Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire meet – see the orange dashes on the map. It’s well worth it, and its rich history is covered in walk 20, the most popular walk on the website.

The return passes the iconic Cat & Fiddle, once thought to be the highest pub in England but since demoted to second place! It’s now a gin distillery with a café, and its car park is for customers only.

The final stretch follows the old turnpike back to the car park, passing the source of the Goyt. There are toilets at the Rangers’ building, which are normally open.

Map, description & GPX

Click for a pdf with stage-by-stage details of the route including photos and a map, as well as links to car parks and public transport. A walking app GPX file is also available.