Mam Tor From Castleton: 6 Mile Circular Route
Moderate
2.5 Hours
6 Miles
Starting from the picturesque village of Castleton, this walk leads you up to the famous “Shivering Mountain” of Mam Tor. Castleton itself is steeped in history, with its show caverns, old lead mining heritage, and the ruins of Peveril Castle, built by William the Conqueror’s son in the 11th century to guard the Hope Valley.
The summit of Mam Tor is crowned by the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, reminding walkers that this has been a place of significance for over 2,000 years. Today, the ridge is one of the Peak District’s most popular walks, offering a perfect mix of history, scenery, and a taste of the area’s geological drama.
A friend took us on this route to hike Mam Tor from Castleton village and it turned out to be a really pleasant couple of hours — perfect if you don’t have time to do anything significantly longer. We parked in the pay and display car park in the village which has 133 car spaces and got there early — anyone familiar with Castleton will know how busy it gets. Parking costs range from £1.80 for up to 1 hour, £4.50 for between 2-4 hours and £6.80 for up to 10 hours parking. The maximum stay is 24 hours which will cost £7.90. Payment methods accepted are coins, card and you can also pay via the PayByPhone app.
🌤️ Know Before You Go 🌤️
- Car Park: Castleton village (S33 8WH)
- What3Words: ///cards.humans.bystander
- Public Transport: Yes – the closest train station is Hope (Derbyshire). There is a connecting bus that takes around 5-10 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 380 metres
- Terrain: Uneven rocky paths, muddy open fields, clear good path along Mam Tor’s Great Ridge
- Public Toilets: Yes – located at the car park
- Family Friendly: Yes for older children capable of walking a longer distance and navigating uneven terrain. Not suitable for prams or toddlers
- Dog Friendly: Yes but keep on a lead as you cross fields with livestock
- Scramble Grade: None
- Met Office Mountain Forecasts
- Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)
🥾 Essential Kit 🥾
- Good quality, well fitting walking boots/shoes
- 20-30L rucksack
- Gloves, hat, neck gaitor/snood
- Map, compass, and head torch (spare batteries)
- Emergency First Aid Kit (foil blanket, whistle, plasters)
- Additional layers of clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- At least 2 litres of water
❄️ Additional Winter Kit ❄️
- Hiking poles with ice fittings
- Waterproof hat and gloves
- Crampons/Ice Axe
- Dry bags
- Extra food and water
- Sun protection
- Emergency shelter such as a survival or bivi bag
- A more comprehensive First Aid Kit
Mam Tor from Castleton village route description
Stage 1 – Cave Dale and The Limestone Way
From the car park head along How Lane and follow the road around to the left. As the road bends to the right keep going straight ahead up Back Street. As you approach Castleton War Memorial keep going straight ahead following the sign for Cave Dale. Head up the track and through a gate which is the start of the Limestone Way.
On a good day the views are superb from the very start. Be warned this is often wet and slippy due to the rocky nature of the terrain. Follow the path straight ahead through several stiles/gates. As the track flattens out keep going straight ahead, keeping the stone wall to your right. The route bends round to the left and you head up and through a steel gate.
Shortly after going through this gate you come through another and then take the wooden single access gate to your right. Follow this track and it shortly bends around to the right. The track then brings you out at Winnats Road.
Cross over the road and head through the gate in front of you. After a short section you cross over the road again and start to ascent up through a field towards Mam Tor. Again this section can be muddy and there is a high risk of slipping so be careful — I speak from personal experience.
Stage 2 – Mam Tor and the Great Ridge
At the top of the field head through the gate and ascend the stone steps taking you to the summit of Mam Tor. After taking in the views and maybe having a quick refreshment break follow the Great Ridge towards Hollins Cross. At Hollins Cross take the gate to your right and keep to the path heading to the left.
This section can prove a tricky descent so be careful and take your time. There is certainly no need to rush as the views are terrific. At the bottom of this section head through the wooden gate in front of you. Follow this track down and then follow the road as it weaves round and eventually takes you back to Castleton village.
Got the OS Map App? Follow the route by clicking the link below.
Where to eat and drink after hiking Mam Tor from Castleton
As Castleton is popular with tourists and walkers alike there are plenty of food and drink options to choose from following your hike. The Castle is a historic country pub steeped in spooky local legends and was also a stop-off point for The Wellington Express coach which travelled between Manchester and Sheffield in the 1800’s.
Serving firm favourites such as their signature King Prawn cocktail (£8.25), fish and chips (£17.25) or a slow-cooked Lamb shank (£24.95). There is also a 10oz Rib-Eye steak (£25.50) or a selection of burgers to choose from. A wide range of cask ales, fine wines, a variety of lagers and gins are on offer, all of which be enjoyed in their stunning beer garden – weather depending of course.
The Castle has comfortable and characterful family and double B&B hotel rooms available for an overnight stay.
Pics from the peaks: more from Mam Tor from Castleton
