A Popular walk from Castleton

Walk to Mam Tor from Castleton and Cave Dale

Map Guide: OS Landranger 110 or Outdoor Leisure 1

Overview Countrywalker Grading
Walk from Castleton to the moors and then onto Mam Tor. Scenic views all around the valleys. Moderate (height of 516M, 1691ft).
Footpaths Time taken
Walking on tracks and trails. 3 hours (including breaks).
Starting/ End Positions Distance
Circular walk from Castleton (S33 8WH) 6 miles (9.6 Kilometres).

Park at the main car park in Castleton (S33 8WH).

Cave Dale near Castleton in the Peak DistrictStart the walk by exiting the car park into Castleton near the roundabout, and cross the main road (Cross Street) and turn left. At the church turn right down Castle Street. Head to the end of the street and turn right and follow the road to the rear of the cottages. Look for the Cave Dale signpost near Bargate and turn right and follow the short track to the small gate. Enter Cave Dale and head up this fairly moderate slope. After 350 yards turning around you can see Peveril Castle.

After 3/4 mile it starts to level out more. Follow the wall on your right up to a gate. Go through and follow any small yellow signs that you may see. These will eventually bring you to another gate. Cross over the field to the far corner. Climb over the stile here to a meeting of paths. Climb another stile and turn right along a broad track for just over 200 yards. Come to a footpath sign near a gate. Turn right here and follow the path downwards across two more stiles.

Mam Tor in the Peak DistrictFollow the track as it starts to descend to a road (Winnats Pass) after around 1 mile. Cross the road (B6061) and climb the stile. This area is known as Windy Knoll. Carry on walking for nearly 500 yards, keeping the wall on your left until the path climbs steeply for the remaining 200 yards and you will come to another road (A623) which you must cross.

Follow the path for 200 yards to another stile and some steps. Walk these few steps and you will reach the road below Mam Tor. Go through the final two gates and then you will start climbing the last steps which will lead you up to the busy summit of Mam Tor (517M). You will almost certainly get fine views here all year round. Looking to the east you can see Castleton, to the north is Edale and Kinder Scout beyond and north east the Great Ridge and Hollins Cross.

The Great Ridge near Castleton in the Peak DistrictThe walk continues north north east from Mam Tor for almost a mile, downwards along the Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, a major crossroad in the path. Turn right here through a small gate and then take the left most path down the side of the hill. This is quite steep so care must be taken. After half a mile of descent you will reach Hollowford Road. Turn left here for a 3/4 mile walk back to Castleton.

After walking over the bridge (over Peakshole Water) bear right after 100 yards down a paved track back to the car park in Castleton.

Why not try downloading the route to an app on your device, like OsmAnd (Android , iOS) or GPX Viewer (Android , iOS).

GPX File Download

Walk last updated: August 2021