Mam Tor

Walk 7: Mighty Mam Tor

A great circular hike up one of the Peak Districts’ most renowned, distinct landmarks, the mother of all hills; Mam Tor. The route includes a visit to the tranquil village of Castleton and the scaling of the mighty Great Ridge.

Starting from Hope, you head out on sprawling fields alongside Peakshole Water, towards Castleton, then up Mam Tor. After conquering Mam Tor, you continue along the Great Ridge, past Hollins Cross, and through Brocker Booth Plantation.  After skirting around the side of Lose Hill, you will make the final descent back down to Hope.

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Dark Peak3 Comments

Walk Essentials

  • Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Minimum Duration: 4 hrs
  • Refreshments: Pub Cafe
  • Route: Download .gpx file
  • Start Grid Ref: SK 17182 83340

Start Point & Parking

Free parking available on Pindale Road, S33 6RN.

Weather

Derbyshire, UK

Route Map

Guidance

Print page

Safety First

Please don't rely solely on this guide to navigate the hike. Always carry a paper map of the area, compass, and know how to use them. Download the accompanying GPX file for use with a GPS app to help keep you on track. While hiking is generally safe, risks exist — plan ahead, use common sense, and make informed decisions.

Download Route File (.GPX)

Directions

  1. From the start point, ascend up Pindale Road for about 50 meters, then head over the stile on the right.
  2. Follow the path that roughly follows the river (Peakshole Water), crossing over several fields, all the way to Castleton.
  3. Head through Castleton following the main road until meeting the mini island.
  4. At the mini island, turn left and walk for about 200 meters with the stream on the right.
  5. Ascend up Goosehill Road. Continue through the gate at the end and follow the path alongside the wall until meeting the main road again next to Speedwell Cavern.
  6. Cross over the road and head through the stile following the path to Treak Cliff Cavern.
  7. Continue past Treak Cliff Cavern, following the path as it ascends to the next Cavern; Blue John.
  8. Head up to towards the main road, turn left and walk for about 300 meters until meeting the gated stile on the right.
  9. Head through the gated stile and walk up towards the foot of Mam Tor.
  10. Upon meeting the road, head through the gated stile and make the ascent up Mam Tor. Be sure to enjoy the glorious views at the top.
  11. Continue along the path following the Great Ridge for about 1.5 miles, passing Hollins Cross, until meeting Back Tor.
  12. Rather than continuing along the path up Back Tor, head over the stile on the right and head through Brocker Booth Plantation.
  13. Continue on the path for about 500 meters until it eventually turns right and begins to descends.
  14. After the cottage, turn right on the final descent back to Hope.
  • Great Ridge
  • Great Ridge
  • Great Ridge
  • Great Ridge
  • Great Ridge
  • Mam Tor

Questions or comment about this route? Leave them in the comments section below.

Leigh Walker

View posts by Leigh Walker
Hi I'm Leigh, the creator Walk In Derbyshire. I've been walking in the Peak District National Park for over 30 years and have a huge passion for connecting with nature and hiking in the outdoors. I write up the all the walks for Walk In Derbyshire and am also the lead on our group hikes.

3 Comments

  1. Siu Wan28th January 2023

    A fab hill but so so busy!

    Reply
    1. Walk In Derbyshire29th January 2023

      Agreed! Best avoided at the weekends if you don’t like crowds. Thanks for the comment as always 🙂

      Reply
  2. David S27th June 2024

    There are a number of stiles on this walk. Do you know if they are all dog-friendly as I won’t be able to lift our large dog over them.

    Reply

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