Mam Tor and Cave Dale from Castleton

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.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.11 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 295 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 289 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 469 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 187 m

Photos

Description

(S/E) 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(S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 188 m
  2. 1 : km 2.37 - alt. 382 m - Hollins Cross
  3. 2 : km 3.97 - alt. 457 m - Path on your left
  4. S/E : km 9.11 - alt. 188 m

Practical information

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.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 12 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
bga
bga

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 15/09/20
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route 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.

Nicoleboyd
Nicoleboyd

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 16/01/20
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route 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!

BusterW
BusterW

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 08/12/19
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route 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

Chickey36
Chickey36

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : 27/04/19
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route 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

Haffers
Haffers

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 16/03/19
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route 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.😃

Lesrat
Lesrat

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 27/08/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful views

sukhcov
sukhcov

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 17/06/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Vgood

Glynn
Glynn

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 10/06/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Bmrider
Bmrider

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 27/03/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route 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!

Soggy75
Soggy75

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 10/03/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Easy to follow..good views..can walk in 2 hours if walking briskly

Chris Hodgson
Chris Hodgson

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : 16/02/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

First time using hikideas and walking in this area.
Very impressed.
Will definitely be walking here again soon

Sarita J
Sarita J

Thank you for your feedback. Please feel free to post photos of the walk if you have any to share

Anna Firmin
Anna Firmin
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : 03/02/18
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route 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.

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