🗺️ The route
Free to viewThere’s some really good sunrise spots in the Peak District but Cratcliffe Tor has to be one of our favourites, we regularly get this place all to ourselves and you could too. Parking in a small lay-by only 10 minutes from the viewpoint we always wonder why more people don’t head here.
What to expect
A short walk off the beaten path with big views. The lay-by parking isn’t the best, there’s some big potholes and its on a busy main road but if you can get over that then we think you’ll love this one.
After watching the sunrise, head into the woods below to find a really interesting carving in a cave, its really not what you expect to see in this sort of place, but definitely worth a look.
Getting there & parking
FREE limited lay-by parking – Located on the B5056 near Birchover, the closest postcode is DE4 2LZ.
Good to know
No, there aren't any on this route.
On lead only.
Expect woodland paths, rocky, cliffside underfoot. What we wear for it ↓
The route
- 1.3 Miles
- 1 Hour
- Easy–Moderate
From the lay-by cross the road and head up the steep tarmac road towards the big rocks above, this is Cratcliffe Tor. You’ll go through a small gate and into the woods, follow this path and up onto the tops, the view across open countryside here is beautiful, especially after only a short 10 minute walk. The carving is underneath the sunrise viewing place and we definitely recommend going to see it after watching the sunrise.
Step-by-step
- From the lay-by head across the road, over the cattle grid and up the tarmac road.
- On reaching another gate, you'll see a smaller foot gate to your right, head through that.
- Follow the path through the woods and upto Cratcliffe Tor.
- Getting to the top can be a little trial and error depending how well grown everything is and what season you come and some of it could be a little more hands on over some boulders.
- You'll know you're at the spot because the view across the open countryside is beautiful.
- To find the carving in the cave you'll want to head below where you watched the sunrise, go the same way you went up as there are some steep drops.
Your walk
Heading out? Take this walk with you
Free members get the tools to follow it on the day, so you're not relying on phone signal.
- GPX downloadFor your phone, watch or Komoot.
- Printable route cardOne page with the route, pit stops and an emergency line.
- Track it & get the stampTick it off and add the miles to your log.
Tips & what to bring
Remember to bring extra layers for sunrise /sunset walks and maybe a hot drink to hold as the sun comes up.
What we'd pack for this walk
See how we wear it →Kit we actually use, picked for this route.
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Grip on rock We both wearLa Sportiva TX4
Grippy, supportive approach shoe we wear on rockier Peak trails.
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Cold before the sun comes up Char wearsRab Microlight Alpine (Women's)
Lightweight, packable down jacket for cold starts and summit stops.
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A brew at the top We both useJetboil Stove
Fast, efficient stove for a brew or a hot meal on the trail.
