Things to see and do at Longshaw, Burbage and the Eastern Moors

Top things to see  

There’s lots to see as you wander through the changing landscapes at Longshaw. Discover bubbling streams and tumbling waterfalls at Burbage Brook and Padley Gorge, find moments of quiet reflection at the once-industrious Bole Hill Quarry and Froggatt Wood, and marvel at the natural rock formations of Owler Tor. Longshaw Meadow is a haven for wildlife, while the restored pond offers tranquillity and peace.   

Along the Eastern Moors, the famous Curbar Gap enjoys panoramic views over the Derwent Valley from its renowned gritstone edge, surrounded by miles of isolated open moorland. Cross through Big Moor, Totley Moss, Ramsley Moor, Leash Fen, Clod Hall Moor and White Edge Moor to experience the vast landscape of the Peak District. 

Walks in the countryside  

Longshaw makes an ideal base for exploring the Peak District National Park, with many waymarked routes beginning on the pathway just in front of the Longshaw Lodge. You can either plan your walk using an OS map, or take a photo of the map on the side of the welcome building in the main Woodcroft car park.

Longshaw also makes a great spot for running, jogging and speedy walks to stretch your legs and feel energised all year round.

Family-friendly things to do 

There are plenty of things for families to do at Longshaw throughout the year.

Look and listen out for wildlife at Longshaw Pond, or amongst the ancient woodlands across the estate. Try the orienteering course to see if you can find your way with a map and compass, or if you want to follow a trail, pick one up from the welcome building and spot wildlife along the route. 

There are also lots of places to explore and take in the nature all around you.  

Take a look at our programme of events and activities here .

Winter wildlife at Longshaw   

The Peak District is the perfect place to go wildlife spotting all year round. Here are some winter highlights to look out for on your walk.

Red deer roaming the moors  

Longshaw and the surrounding moors are home to a herd of around 170 wild red deer which roam widely, with sightings as far away as Dore and Totley, Froggat and Calver, and the Burbage Valley. Look out for the silhouette of stags on the moors this winter with their crown of antlers and thick winter coats, and the slightly smaller females (hinds) roaming with the herd.  

Hibernation season  

For many of Longshaw’s smaller residents, winter is hibernation season. While hedgehogs and bats hibernate in tree trunks and log piles, adders, toads and the rare great crested newt spend their winter slumber in log piles and dry stone walls. If you find one of these cold-blooded creatures, cover them with leaves to help keep them warm and try not to disturb them.  

Longshaw’s winged visitors  

As the days get longer, thousands of migrating birds pass over the Peak District. Many stop at Longshaw to rest and feed on rowan and hawthorn berries. Look out for redwings, fieldfares and geese around the pond area. 

Farming on the estate 

Farming has been part of the Longshaw landscape for centuries, with the archaeological remains of two Saxon farmsteads on the Estate and a Bronze Age farming settlement on the moor above Toad’s mouth. Nowadays, you’ll see a mixture of sheep and cattle grazing, helping us to restores wood pasture on the Sheffield Plantation and improve the moorland habitat on Burbage Brook and White Edge.  

Winter flora in the moors 

Bare trees stand tall in the winter light, and on dull days the variety of colours in the grass and heather moorland shine through. Look out for berries and lichens brightening the woodland.