Hollins Cross, Mam Tor and Cavedale are highlights of this Peak District walk from Castleton. The walk includes both Dark and White Peak scenery and generally follows well marked footpaths.
(D/A) There is a large public car park (grid ref. SK 148829) in Castleton and after paying your dues, follow the main road in the direction of Hope. Where the main road turns sharp right continue north along Hollowford Road which leads gently upwards towards the Castleton ridge ahead. Reaching open country the path steepens. This is the only section of "hard work" and soon you have reached the top of the ridge at Hollins Cross.
(1) The ridge, which links Lose Hill with Mam Tor, is a popular place to promenade. The well-maintained path is easy going and offers excellent views south over the White Peak and to Edale and the Kinder Plateau in the north. With most of the climbing over, continue west along the ridge to the summit of Mam Tor. Notice the huge landslides here and at other places along the ridge. The most recent of these was of such magnitude that it severed the main A625 Castleton to Chapel-en-le-Frith road, which is still closed to traffic.
(2) Dropping down to the col at Mam Nick head down the path on your left which crosses fields and heads up towards the long abandoned spoil tips of Slitherstone Mine. You are now in the White Peak. At the major junction of paths turn east to reach the Limestone Way just short of Hazard Mine. Turning north follow the path down Cave Dale passing the remains of Peveril Castle high on your left to reach the village of Castleton and the end of the walk(D/A).
Waypoints :
D/A : mi 0 - alt. 617ft
1 : mi 1.47 - alt. 1253ft - Hollins Cross
2 : mi 2.47 - alt. 1499ft - Path on your left
D/A : mi 5.66 - alt. 617ft
Interesting walks containing both the White and Dark Peaks are limited to the areas where the Limestone and Gritstone meet. The following walk covers an area that has much to offer the walker including those of a less adventurous disposition. It is an ideal introduction for those making their first visit to the Peak District offering a taste of the two essential ingredients of the National Park.
The village of Castleton lies on the northern edge of the White Peak. With a good selection of pubs, cafes and shops it is a popular day trip destination from the surrounding towns and cities. In addition there are the "show" caves which also help attract visitors so an off peak period may be best time to make this walk.
It is possible to shorten the walk by descending Winnats Gorge - a wonderful section of limestone scenery. If you opt to take this route you can reduce road walking by looking for the path which leaves the road on the right shortly after passing the entrance to Speedwell Cavern. This takes you across the fields to reach Castleton near to the entrance to Peak Cavern.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
Global average : 4.49/5
Number of opinions : 12
Description quality : 4.55/5
Routemap quality : 4.25/5
Walk interest : 4.67/5
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 16/09/20
Description quality
: N/A
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
We were camping between Castleton & Hope, so started this walk from there, ascending up to Lose Hill before joining the walk at Hollins Cross. Views from the Ridge were spectacular. A little busy around Mam Tor but few folks elsewhere. Interesting descent down Cave Dale. Would highly recommend.
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 17/01/20
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
We did a little detour and went up Mam Tor instead of around the Peak, but it was a spectacular long walk with some slightly more challenging bits to keep it interesting- the views were breathtaking! Would definitely recommend it!
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 09/12/19
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
The walk has a stiff but quite short climb up to the rigde above Castleton and then follows it around with stunning views over the Peak District. The main point of interest is Mam Tor. We took a short cut back down the closed ruined road then footpath to Castleton because we were short of time
Global average : 4 / 5
Date of walk
: 28/04/19
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk. The ascent was not overly challenging and it wasn't too busy at the summit. We did lengthen the walk by an extra mile by going straight upwards to the ridge instead of veering left. The walk down was a bit tricky as essentially you are navigating a rocky stream but it just made it more fun and interesting
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 17/03/19
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
We really enjoyed this walk, the printed sheet contained all the information you need. We laminated the sheet for future use, but in retrospect it's good that we did, it blew a hooley, with. 4 seasons in one day. We are already looking forward to downloading our next walk.😃
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 27/08/18
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Average
Walk interest
: Very good
Beautiful views
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 18/06/18
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Vgood
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 11/06/18
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 28/03/18
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
Recently walked Mam Tor, have done this walk before many years ago but not this route. Found this route much better and more scenic. Time taken 2hrs even with a dog!
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 11/03/18
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Very good
Easy to follow..good views..can walk in 2 hours if walking briskly
Global average : 4.33 / 5
Date of walk
: 17/02/18
Description quality
: Very good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
First time using hikideas and walking in this area.
Very impressed.
Will definitely be walking here again soon
Thank you for your feedback. Please feel free to post photos of the walk if you have any to share
Global average : 4 / 5
Date of walk
: 04/02/18
Description quality
: Good
Easiness to follow the route
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
We actually walked this route in the opposite direction but it was a lovely contrast between the expansive views from the Great Ridge (Mam Tor - Hollins Cross) and the enclosed gully of Cave Dale over looked by Peveril's Castle.
A picturesque walk with some steep climbs. Starts in Castleton and takes the limestone way through Cave Dale. The walk then works is way overland to Mam Tor and along the Great Ridge to Back Tor. From here the walk goes towards Blue John Cavern before descending via Winnat's Pass and then over the field back to Castleton. Some steep climbs most notably Mam Tor and Back Tor - also some steep and rocky terrain/descents.
A Peak District walk that takes in some of the highlights of the area to the north of Castelton. The route is varied, offers some wonderful views and is generally easy to follow.
This Peak District walk follows a relatively low level circuit of the head of the valley offering good views of the Great Ridge. You are also able to see the large landslip on the flank of Mam Tor.
This Peak District walk from Castleton takes you south and crosses some typical limestone scenery, providing some good views across the valley to Castleton's Great Ridge. You walk through Cave Dale and are also descend through the dramatic Winnats Pass.
Walk in the Peak District. Will take you from Mid to North of The Peak District.
A classic ridge walk to a fine viewpoint, followed by a visit to a historic village and a pleasant riverside return.
Stroll through pretty Castleton village and visit two of the area’s famous limestone caverns on foot.
Two spectacular limestone gorges with an optional ascent to the hillfort and viewpoint on Mam Tor.
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