Beeley Moor and Harland Edge

Beeley Moor and Harland Edge mark the geographical end of my journey along the gritstone edges. Beeley Moor rises gently from the very green and tendered Chatsworth Estate to lead to a more exposed and frankly rather bleak moor above Beeley. Harland Edge delineates Beeley Moor and East Moor, a large and rather dreary moor between the Chatsworth Estate and the A619 Chesterfield to Baslow road.

Of interest is Hob Hurst's House, a square Bronze Age burial mound and ditch, situated at the west end of Harland Edge (SK 287692). Now overgrown and difficult to make out it is however of historical significance given it is square rather than the more normal round barrow. It was excavated in 1853 by Thomas Bateman and found to contain a stone grave with burnt human bones and pieces of lead ore. It is now surrounded by a small fence and indicated by an English Heritage sign. There are several other cairns and ancient stones seemingly scatterred around Beeley Moor.

(2007-3532) Harland Edge from the path running alongside Bunker's Hill Wood and Harland Sick. February 2007

(2007-3516) Harland Edge from Beeley Lane

Views

In common with most of the edges route, the best light is in the evening towards and often just after sunset. As the sun gets lower Beeley Moor and Harland Edge are often lit with a lovely warm light; this is especially good in the summer months here.

(2007-1001972) Beeley Moor sunset, July 2007

The better views are from the path along the top of Beeley Moor towards Chatsworth and a better vantage point is just off the track looking down into the valley and over Beeley. There are a few exposed rocky outcrops along the top of Beeley Moor which do get beautifully illuminated by the low sunshine in summer evenings.

(2005-0924) Beeley Moor, Hell's Bank plantation and Harland Edge in background. May 2005

(2005-0775) From Beeley Moor. May 2005

(2006-2216) Temperature inversion from Beeley Moor. September 2006

Access and Walking

There are good paths across Beeley Moor towards Chatsworth and through Hell's Bank plantation and down to Beeley. There is some parking on the road and verge at Hell Bank and paths that lead you down through the plantation alongside Beeley Brook and down to Moor Farm and Beeley, or along the side of the plantation and out onto Beeley Moor. This path continues to Park Farm, down to Beeley Lodge and across the river into the Chatsworth Estate. Alternatively a path leads across the moor towards Bunkers Hill Wood, Hob Hurst's House and Harland Edge. This path continues west along the edge of East Moor to the far end of the Chatsworth Estate.

Maps and Guides

Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL24 - The Peak District White Peak Area