Mam Tor via Castleton Circular

About this walk

This walk starts off from the very picturesque village of Castleton situated in the Peak District. The walk is fairly moderate in difficulty with a couple of steep climbs and the route can be very muddy especially following bad weather. Ensure you have appropriate footwear for the walk.

There is pay & display car parking in the village which will cost you £4 up to 4 hours or £6 for up to 10 hours. The car park has 8 disabled spaces and also has public toilets.

If you are not familiar with Castleton then be warned this is an extremely popular destination for walkers and tourists alike so we advise getting there early to avoid disappointment.

With a number of tourist attractions on offer in and around Castleton it is the perfect place for a weekend stay. Early on in this walk you can look out over towards the imposing ruins of Pevril Castle – one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses.

Route Description

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

(3) Follow the path straight ahead heading 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.

(4) 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.

(5) 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 following bad weather so be careful – we advise this from personal experience.

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

(8) 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.

Food & Drink

As Castleton is popular with tourists and walkers alike it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of great spots food food and drink options.

The Castle

A beautiful country pub The Castle has been around for hundreds of years and is a great place enjoy some refreshments and some hearty food. Serving a range of cask ales, fine wines, a variety of lagers and gins which can all 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.

Ye Olde Nags Head

This 17th Century Coaching Inn boasts log-burning fireplaces in all 3 reception rooms providing the ideal setting for relaxing – especially if the English weather has lived up to expectation. With an impressive food menu on offer, including a breakfast menu served from 8am-11:30am everyday.

Offering 9 stunning rooms an overnight stay might just be what you need.

The Peak Hotel

Marketing themselves as the quirkiest pub & restaurant in Castleton The Peak Hotel is popular with locals and tourists alike. Traditional homemade food is served Monday – Thursday from 12pm-8pm, Friday & Saturday between 12pm-9pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Muddy boots and paws are always welcome.

Offering 4 double poster rooms each with it’s own individual decor why not make a night of it?