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Corbar Cross

A historic stone cross on a grassy knoll above Buxton, offering panoramic views and a quiet place for reflection in the Peak District.

4.7

Perched on a grassy knoll above Buxton, Corbar Cross is a striking stone monument marking a historic crossroads in the Peak District. This ancient landmark offers sweeping views across the town and surrounding hills, making it a quiet spot for reflection and photography. The cross is easily reached on foot from the town centre and stands as a subtle reminder of Buxton’s long history as a meeting place and pilgrimage route. It’s a peaceful, atmospheric stop on any walk through the area.

A brief summary to Corbar Cross

  • Oaklands Manor, 62 Manchester Rd, Buxton, SK17 6SS, GB
  • +447514977821
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and views over Buxton and the surrounding hills.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket, as the hilltop can be exposed and breezy even on mild days.
  • Combine your visit with a walk from Buxton town centre or along nearby footpaths to explore more of the area.
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Getting There

  • On foot from Buxton town centre

    From Buxton’s town centre, follow footpaths and quiet lanes uphill towards Corbar Hill. The walk takes about 15–25 minutes on well-maintained paths suitable for most fitness levels.

  • By car with nearby parking

    Drive to the edge of Buxton near the Corbar area and park in a nearby public car park or on a residential street with legal parking. From there, follow signed footpaths or local roads up to the cross, a short walk of 5–10 minutes.

  • By local bus

    Take a local bus to Buxton and walk from the town centre as described. Buses serve the town regularly, and the walk to Corbar Cross is straightforward for those comfortable with moderate inclines.

Corbar Cross location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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Discover more about Corbar Cross

A Timeless Stone Sentinel

Rising from a grassy mound just above Buxton’s town centre, Corbar Cross is a simple yet powerful stone monument that has stood at this crossroads for centuries. Though the current cross is a 20th-century reconstruction, it marks a site of much older significance, where ancient routes once converged on their way through the Peak District. The cross is carved from local stone, its weathered surface bearing the marks of time and the elements, and it stands as a quiet tribute to the area’s long history as a place of passage and pilgrimage.

Views and Atmosphere

The cross sits on a gentle rise known as Corbar Hill, offering one of the most accessible panoramic viewpoints near Buxton. From here, the town unfolds below, framed by the rolling limestone hills of the southern Peak District. On clear days, the view stretches across rooftops and parkland to distant ridges and valleys, making it a favourite spot for photographers and walkers alike. The atmosphere is peaceful and slightly elevated, both literally and figuratively, with the sound of the town softened by distance and the rustle of grass and wind in the trees.

Walking and Access

Corbar Cross is easily reached on foot from Buxton’s town centre via a network of footpaths and quiet lanes. The most direct routes follow well-maintained paths that climb gently from the edge of the town, passing through green spaces and residential streets before reaching the cross. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels and makes a pleasant addition to a longer hike or a short stroll. There are no formal facilities at the cross itself, so visitors should come prepared with water and appropriate clothing, especially in cooler or wetter weather.

History and Meaning

The site of Corbar Cross has long been a meeting point and landmark in the area. The name ‘Corbar’ is thought to derive from Old English or Celtic roots, possibly meaning ‘hill of the cross’ or ‘meeting place’. In medieval times, such crosses often marked boundaries, routes, or places of prayer, and Corbar Cross likely served a similar role. The current monument, erected in the 1930s, was intended to preserve this historic location and to provide a focal point for the community and visitors. Today, it continues to serve as a place of quiet reflection and a tangible link to Buxton’s past.

Photography and Quiet Moments

Because of its elevated position and uncluttered surroundings, Corbar Cross is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise, sunset, and in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. The cross itself, framed by sky and hills, makes a striking subject, while the wider view over Buxton offers a classic Peak District scene. The area around the cross is generally quiet, making it ideal for a moment of mindfulness, a short meditation, or simply sitting and taking in the landscape. It’s a place that invites stillness and a sense of connection to the wider landscape and history of the region.

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