The Peak District Nine Edges — Peak District National Park

The rugged, gritstone edges that define the landscape of the Dark Peak can be linked together to create one stunning, high-level run. Following the main trail across the tops affords far-reaching views out across the moorland plateau to your left and down to the lush valley of the River Derwent to your right.
The Nine Edges is an established and popular annual fundraising challenge. Held each September, competitors complete the nine edges as runners, walkers or climbers, raising money for Edale Mountain Rescue team. Climbers run or walk between the crags, climbing at least one route on each edge.
The nine edges in order are Derwent, Stanage, Burbage North, Burbage South, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchen. The trail isn’t waymarked but the tracks are clear on the ground and navigation is straightforward. This Tour is 21.6 miles (34.8 km) long with 2,198 ft (670 m) of ascent. The fastest competitive runners take less than three hours but most people take closer to four and a half hours to complete the route.
Underfoot it’s a mixture of gravely trails, paths (some of which can become muddy after heavy rain) and short rocky sections, with a bit of tarmac thrown in. In winter or wetter weather, we’d suggest grippy trail running or fell running shoes for maximum safety and enjoyment. The ground drains well though, so if it’s been dry then trail shoes with shallower tread or even road shoes should be fine. It’s a few hours’ running on exposed moorland terrain so it’s worth carrying a waterproof and warm layer as well as a small first aid kit, compass, whistle and torch.
Start at the Fairholmes car park below the imposing Derwent Dam, where there’s plenty of paid parking and a cafe for fuelling up before you go. For refreshments along the route you may find an ice-cream van at Stanage, Burbage or Curbar but don’t rely on them being there. The National Trust cafe at Longshaw, about half-way, is open from 8:30 - 16:30 every day, while at the finish is at the excellent Robin Hood pub which serves food all day.
Hathersage is the largest village close to the route and has good outdoor shops, cafes, pubs and a small shop selling a range of food and drinks. The cafe upstairs in Outside is a classic runners’ and climbers’ haunt, but does get busy on sunny weekends. For accommodation try North Lees campsite, well situated just below Stanage Edge, YHA Hathersage, or there’s an abundance of self-catering, B&B or hotel options nearby.
Being point-to-point adds a few extra logistical challenges into running this route. If you’re driving the easiest way is to use two cars, leaving one at the finish and then driving the other to the start. The nearest bus stop to the start is at Ashopton, about 1.9 miles (3 km) from Fairholmes, while the finish is well served by buses heading to Baslow or Sheffield/Chesterfield. To get back to the start from the finish by bus take the 170 bus from the Robin Hood pub into Baslow, then take the 257 bus north to Ashopton. The closest train stations are Bamford, Hathersage and Grindleford.