Upper Tor

Hill, Mountain in Derbyshire High Peak

England

Upper Tor

The Old Nags Head, Edale The Old Nags Head is traditional country inn situated in a building dating back to 1577. — The Old Nags Head, Edale Credit: Jeff Buck

Upper Tor is a prominent hill located in the Derbyshire Peak District, England. Rising to an elevation of approximately 460 meters (1,509 feet), it is often referred to as Upper Tor Hill or Upper Tor Mountain. The hill is situated near the village of Birchover, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The landscape of Upper Tor is characterized by rugged, rocky terrain, with large outcrops of gritstone dominating the hilltop. These distinctive rock formations have been shaped by natural erosion processes over millions of years, resulting in the creation of deep crevices and craggy edges. These features make Upper Tor a popular destination for rock climbers and boulderers, who come to test their skills on the challenging routes.

The hill is also known for its diverse flora and fauna. The lower slopes are covered in grasses, heather, and wildflowers, providing a habitat for various species of birds, insects, and small mammals. Visitors to Upper Tor may encounter common sightings like rabbits, foxes, and various species of birds, including kestrels and peregrine falcons.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to Upper Tor due to its accessibility and the network of footpaths that crisscross the area. These paths provide opportunities for leisurely walks and more strenuous hikes, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Peak District.

Overall, Upper Tor presents an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning scenery, challenging rock formations, and a diverse range of wildlife in the heart of Derbyshire.

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Upper Tor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.386145/-1.8277965 or Grid Reference SK1187. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Old Nags Head, Edale

The Old Nags Head is traditional country inn situated in a building dating back to 1577.

Jeff Buck

Footbridge over Grinds Brook

Footbridge over Grinds Brook at Grindsbrook Booth to the north of Edale.

Jeff Buck

Footbridge over Grinds Brook

Footbridge over Grinds Brook at Grindsbrook Booth to the north of Edale.

Jeff Buck

Grinds Brook at Grindsbrook Booth

Looking south along Grinds Brook from the footbridge near Edale.

Jeff Buck

Path below The Nab

Heading north along a path below The Nab near Edale.

Jeff Buck

Footbridge below Golden Clough

A footbridge over a stream below Golden Clough. The stream enters Grinds Brook nearby.

Jeff Buck

Stream below Golden Clough

This stream passes through Golden Clough, a steep sided valley which I think can be seen in the distance. The stream enters Grinds Brook a little further down.

Jeff Buck

Derbyshire Gritstone Sheep

I met this couple near Grinds Brook north of Edale. The Derbyshire Gritstone sheep is one of the oldest of British hill breeds. It is believed to have originated on the hills of the Dale of Goyt (now better known as the Goyt Valley) on the edge of the Peak District around the year 1770 and was known in its early years as the Dale O’Goyt sheep. Source: The Derbyshire Gritstone Sheepbreeders Society Link

Jeff Buck

Above Grinds Brook

Heading north alongside Grinds Brook north of Edale. Upper Tor can be seen in the distance.

Jeff Buck

Below Grindsbrook Clough

Heading northwest along a path above Grinds Brook below Grindsbrook Clough.

Jeff Buck

Grinds Brook along Grindsbrook Clough

Looking southeast along Grinds Brook.

Jeff Buck

A waterfall on Grinds Brook

A small waterfall on Grinds Brook as it flows along Grindsbrook Clough.

Jeff Buck

Stream above Grinds Brook

A stream about to enter Grinds Brook in Grindsbrook Clough.

Jeff Buck

The start of the Pennine Way National Trail

Dave Kelly

The Pennine Way near Edale

Dave Kelly

Path at edge of Kinder plateau above Grinds Brook in 1993

The well-worn path is above Grinds Brook which runs below to the right, in Grindsbrook Clough. The central crag is unnamed on OS maps, the more distant one is Upper Tor.

Trevor Littlewood

Fred Heardman's Plantation

Also known just as "Heardman's Plantation", this patch of woodland is named after the late landlord of the Nag's Head, who was an access campaigner and supporter of the Peak District National Park. A permissive path runs up to the wood and into the open access land at The Nab.

Ian Calderwood