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Sneath's photograph of "The Giddy Edge" shows a
close up of the footpath cut into the rock below the lion
face on High Tor, with a handrail fixed to the bend where
it becomes rocky and uneven underfoot and a seat where tourists
could rest and enjoy the view. Both handrail and seat are
still in situ today.
It is difficult to know how many years the footpath had
been in use at the time this picture was taken, but the 1861
advertisement below suggests that the footpath was created
when Thomas Carding created his carriage road and
walks[1].
Whether he widened an existing lead miner's path is not clear.
Several local guides published between 1861 and 1869 refer
to the paths and the carriage road with the first use of
the word "giddy" seemingly to have been by Croston
in 1868, although he only talks of the giddy height above
Matlock Bath[2].
MR. THOMAS CARDING, Proprietor
of the Mines on the High Tor, begs announce to the
Visitors of Matlock and the Public in general, that
he has made a carriage-road, as well as walks and rides,
to the top of the far famed High Tor, so that all parties,
however delicate or timid, may now visit
the wonders and sweet scenery round and about the Tor,
and obtain views of the surrounding countryside which
such an elevation commands, with little of no fatigue
and with perfect safety. Charge to the walks and rides
very moderate.
THOMAS CARDING,
Proprietor |
The word "giddy" dates from 1602 but there are
no specific references to "The Giddy Edge" in the old
books and other guides about the Matlocks, nor are there any
references in newspapers. Whether,
when Sneath gave his postcard the caption "The
Giddy Edge",
he was just copying a name the footpath was known by locally
or whether he made it up because he thought walking up there
would make you giddy can only be speculated. However, it is
the last place you would want to walk if heights make you giddy!
Too dangerous, unless you have proper hiking footwear.
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"The Giddy Edge, High Tor, Matlock". No. 3291, published
by R. Sneath, Paradise St., Sheffield Copyright - Real Photograph.
Unposted.
Postcard in the collection of, provided by and © Ann Andrews.
Written and researched by and © Ann Andrews.
Intended for personal use only.
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