Carl Wark, Derbyshire County Walk

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The ancient fortress of Carl Wark is situated about two miles east of Hathersage. At 380m (1246ft) above sea level the escarpment offers excellent views of the Burbage Valley below, Higger Tor to the north and Burbage Rocks to the east.

It is likely that Carl Wark was first fortified in the Iron Age (c.600BC to 43AD), roughly the same time as Mam Tor to the west. However, archaeologists now believe that the fortifications seen at the western entrance were probably constructed in the Romano-British period, around 500AD.

In addition to Carl Wark, several archaeological finds in the area have indicated that the Burbage Valley has been a site of early human activity. Discarded flints from hunter-gatherers have been found and small clearance cairns formed from stones are evidence of Bronze Age farmers (c.2500 to 700BC).

The Burbage Valley is a popular recreational area, Higger Tor and Burbage Rocks being a favourite haunt for climbers. The circuit of the Burbage Valley is a pleasant short walk and a suggested route is outlined in this article.

One of the best times to see Carl Wark and the Burbage Valley is in late summer when the moorland is carpeted in a vivid blanket of lilac heather. When you visit, be sure to take your camera!

WALK OUTLINE (4 miles)
Please refer to OS 1:25,000 scale map

• Car park at Upper Burbage Bridge
• Footpath south below Burbage Rocks
• On reaching the A625 at Burbage Bridge take the
footpath north at Toad's Mouth
• Continue on the footpath to Carl Wark
• Continue on the footpath to Higger Tor
• Walk North-east following the path on Fiddler's Elbow and return to the car park at Upper Burbage Bridge,

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