Curbar Edge Engagement Photography – The Peak District Location I Keep Coming Back To

If you ask me to suggest one place in the Peak District for a couples shoot, I’ll almost always say Curbar Edge. I’ve been coming up here for fifteen years – first for climbing, then for photography – and I still find new things to work with every time.

The edge sits above the Derwent Valley on the eastern side of the Peak, a long stretch of exposed gritstone with views that seem to go on forever. On a clear evening, you can see the valley below laid out in golden fields and wooded slopes, and the rock itself lights up in a way thatjust warms the heart. The colour it turns at the last hour of sun is something you have to be there to really understand.

But it’s not just about the light. Curbar has texture. The boulders, the weathered rock faces, the bilberry and heather that edges the path – all of it gives you something to work with throughout the session, not just in the final twenty minutes of sunset. I know exactly where to go to avoid the busiest stretches, and which viewpoints most people walk straight past.

Practical Notes

Getting there: Park at Curbar Gap car park on the road between Curbar and Baslow villages. The edge is a five-minute walk from the car park. Straightforward access, which is part of why it can get busy.

Best time to visit: Sunset, without question. The edge faces west and catches the last of the day beautifully. Sunrise is the other option if you want something quieter and more atmospheric. Midday light is flat and the crowds are at their worst – I’d avoid it.

Crowds: It’s popular, and there’s no getting around that. I know where to position to get shots that look like you have the landscape to yourselves, but if you’re really camera-shy or want total solitude, Baslow Edge just down the path is the more sensible choice. More on that here.

Footwear: Bring a change of footwear – Walking shoes or trainers are fine. The path along the edge is well-maintained, but can be muddy or a little rugged for dress shoes.

What a Curbar Edge Session Looks Like

We’ll meet at Curbar Gap and walk the edge together, working as we go rather than stopping for set-up shots. I find that the movement helps – you relax into it, the conversation flows, and we’ll start to create some connection.

The best sessions here tend to start an hour or two before sunset so we have time to find our feet before the light gets serious. I’ll suggest we slow down and stay put once we hit the right spot – usually somewhere along the northern section of the edge where the view opens up properly and the rock drops away below.

By the time the light turns, it’s always worth it.

Also worth considering: Baslow Edge is right next door and significantly quieter, with similarly stunning views. Read more about Baslow here. If you’re keen on Curbar but want a backup option, Baslow is the answer.

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