We drove out around midday and it felt like the first proper day of spring — clear skies, sunshine, and really good visibility across the hills. On the drive out we had great views across Fernilee Reservoir before dropping down toward Combs where we were meeting friends for the walk.
We started the walk near the Beehive Inn and walked the route anti-clockwise, heading out through fields before climbing up onto Black Edge and returning via White Hall later in the walk.
Starting from Combs
Walking through fields below the ridge at the start of the walk.
The walk starts by leaving Combs through farmland and gates before dropping slightly into the valley and then beginning the steady climb up toward Black Edge.
Climbing Toward Black Edge
Looking across the valley with clear views across the hills.
It’s not particularly steep, but it’s a steady climb and the views open up more the higher you go. Looking back across the valley you can see fields, stone walls and farms across the hillsides.
Just before the ascent toward Hanging Rock we met a farmer who stopped for a chat for a few minutes, which was a nice reminder of how quiet this area is compared to some of the busier Peak District routes.
Along the Ridge
Along the ridge near Black Edge and Hanging Rock.
Once you reach the ridge, the landscape opens up and the route follows the edge toward Hanging Rock. This is probably the best part of the walk — open ridge walking, big views and sheep wandering along the skyline.
Lunch Above White Hall
Lunch stop on a fallen log in the sun.
We carried on past Hanging Rock and then stopped for lunch about 15 minutes down the descent toward White Hall, sitting on a fallen log in the sunshine.
Descending Toward White Hall
After lunch, the path continues down toward White Hall and into the valley where there’s a small stream crossing before the route heads back through fields toward Combs village.
Back to Combs
Back at the Beehive Inn in Combs at the end of the walk.
We finished back at the Beehive Inn which was very busy but a really nice place to stop for a drink before driving home.
Walk Details
| Start/Finish | Beehive Inn, Combs |
| Distance | 5.73 km |
| Time | 1 hr 57 |
| Elevation Gain | ~225 m |
| Route | Circular – Anti-clockwise |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
This isn’t a long walk, but it’s a really good half-day Peak District route — a steady climb, ridge walking, open views and a village start and finish. On a clear spring day, it was exactly the right kind of walk.
The Year I Turn 40 
Leave a comment