Highlight • Viewpoint
Hiking
5.0
(37)
The View of Higger Tor offers a spectacular vantage point atop a prominent gritstone tor in the Dark Peak region of the Peak District National Park, England. Standing at an elevation of 434 meters, this natural landmark provides expansive vistas over the scenic Burbage Valley and the ancient Iron Age hill fort of Carl Wark. Located just southwest of Sheffield and near the village of Hathersage, it's a classic destination within the national park.
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking…
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August 22, 2025
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View of Higger Tor
4.6
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809
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6.43km
01:48
130m
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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443
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100m
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(34)
210
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7.84km
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130m
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 490 m
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Monday 16 March
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Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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Higger Tor offers a variety of walking routes catering to different abilities. Many popular trails start from nearby parking areas on Burbage Moor or the Longshaw Estate. While the ascent to the tor itself is relatively short and can be steep in places, the overall difficulty depends on the length and terrain of your chosen circular walk. Routes often combine Higger Tor with nearby landmarks like Carl Wark or Burbage Bridge, ranging from easy, short loops suitable for families to longer, more challenging hikes across the moorland. Most paths are well-trodden but can be uneven and rocky, requiring sturdy footwear.
Higger Tor can be a rewarding winter destination, offering stunning frosty landscapes. However, the moorland is exposed, and conditions can be challenging. Expect cold temperatures, strong winds, and potentially icy or snowy paths. Visibility can also be reduced in fog or heavy snow. It's crucial to wear appropriate winter clothing, including warm layers, waterproofs, sturdy boots with good grip, and to carry a map and compass or a reliable GPS device. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
The duration of a walk to Higger Tor varies significantly depending on your starting point and chosen route. A direct walk from the roadside parking on Burbage Moor to the tor and back can be as short as 30-60 minutes. However, most visitors opt for longer circular routes that incorporate nearby features like Carl Wark or the Burbage Valley, which can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours or more, covering distances of 3-7 kilometers (2-4 miles).
Yes, Higger Tor is a great spot for families, though supervision is needed around the rocky outcrops. Shorter, less strenuous circular routes are available, often starting from the Burbage Bridge car park or the Longshaw Estate. These paths are generally well-defined, offering manageable distances for children. The dramatic gritstone formations and the nearby Iron Age fort of Carl Wark provide engaging points of interest for younger explorers. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, as paths can be uneven.
Yes, Higger Tor is very dog-friendly, and many hikers enjoy bringing their canine companions. Dogs should be kept on a lead, especially during lambing season (typically March to July) and at all times when livestock are present, as the area is open moorland. There are no stiles that are difficult for dogs, and the terrain is generally suitable for active dogs. Always carry water for your dog, especially on warmer days, as there are no natural water sources directly on the tor.
The most common parking areas are roadside lay-bys along the A6187 on Burbage Moor or the car park at the Longshaw Estate. Parking fills up very quickly, especially on weekends, bank holidays, and sunny days. Arriving early in the morning (before 9-10 AM) or later in the afternoon is strongly recommended to secure a spot. The popularity of Higger Tor means that parking can be a significant challenge during peak times.
Higger Tor is a classic example of a gritstone tor, characterized by its dramatic, freestanding boulders and rugged rock formations. These features are a result of millions of years of erosion on the hard gritstone, a type of sandstone. The tor's distinctive appearance, with its weathered cliffs and scattered rocks, makes it a popular spot for rock climbing and bouldering, showcasing the geological history of the Dark Peak.
While Higger Tor itself is a wild, undeveloped area, there are options for refreshments nearby. The Longshaw Estate, a short drive or walk away, has a cafe. For pubs, the villages of Hathersage and Grindleford, both within a few miles, offer several traditional pubs and cafes. While not directly overlooking Higger Tor, some may offer pleasant views of the surrounding Peak District landscape.
Given the exposed moorland environment, layering is key. Even on sunny days, the weather can change quickly. We recommend sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a warm mid-layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof and windproof outer shell. A hat, gloves, and sunglasses are also advisable, regardless of the season, due to the exposure.
Higger Tor is surrounded by other spectacular viewpoints in the Peak District. Just a short distance away, Stanage Edge offers dramatic cliff-top walks and expansive views. Carl Wark, the Iron Age hill fort adjacent to Higger Tor, provides a different historical perspective with its own unique outlook. Further afield, Mam Tor in the Hope Valley and Curbar Edge also boast incredible panoramic vistas, each offering a distinct experience of the national park's beauty.
The area around Higger Tor is rich in history. Most notably, the adjacent Carl Wark is an Iron Age hill fort, believed to date back between 500 and 800 BC, offering a glimpse into ancient settlements. More recently, the Burbage Valley was used by Canadian infantry for D-Day training during World War II, with bullet holes still visible on some boulders. Higger Tor also gained a touch of pop culture fame by being visible in the background of a scene from the 1987 film The Princess Bride, filmed nearby at Carl Wark.