Mam Tor + Castleton From Edale: 9 Mile Circular Route

Beginning in the village of Edale, this rewarding walk takes you over Mam Tor and down into the historic village of Castleton, combining sweeping ridge views with fascinating glimpses into the area’s rich past. The route leads up to Mam Tor, known as the “Shivering Mountain” for its unstable shale slopes, where you can explore the remains of an Iron Age hillfort while enjoying panoramic views across the Hope Valley and Edale. From the summit, the walk follows the famous Great Ridge, a classic Peak District highlight linking Mam Tor to Hollins Cross and beyond.

Descending towards Castleton, you enter a village steeped in history, from the medieval ruins of Peveril Castle, built by William Peverel in the 11th century, to the celebrated show caves carved into the surrounding hills. Along the way, striking geological features like Winnats Pass and the limestone caverns add extra character to the landscape. Blending natural beauty with centuries of human history, this walk offers one of the most iconic Peak District experiences, with plenty to see both on the hills and in the village below.

There is parking available in Edale Village so if you are travelling by car we suggest getting there early as there are 138 car spaces and they fill up quickly. Current pricing for anything over 4 hours but a maximum of 10 hours is £6.80 and a maximum stay of 24 hours is £7.90. Parking charges may vary from time of publishing. Accepted payment methods are coins, card and also the ‘pay by phone’ application.

Mam Tor and Castle from Edale route description

Stage 1 – To the summit of Mam Tor

Exit Edale train station and head down Marys Ln away from the village and toward the main car park. At the T-junction take a right onto Edale Road, a short way along turn left towards Hardenclough Farm. Follow the track across the river and past the farm which will be on your right. Continue along, the lane bends left across the stream and winds back to the right. At the entrance to Greenlands there is a gate to your left. Once through the gate make an immediate right turn, following the signpost for ‘Mam Tor’

Follow the bridleway which bends left and right, passing a small stone utility building. (The bridleway can get very boggy). After awhile you will reach a gate which exits onto the road below Mam Nick. Instead keep left of the gate and follow a narrow path. The path will lead you to the bottom of the steps leading to Mam Tor summit. Once at the summit, return back down to the bottom of the steps and turn left. Continue straight ahead through the gate and down a sloping field towards the road. Cross the road and continue ahead along the footpath towards a small quarry. Turn left just before the quarry past the entrance to Windy Knoll Cave and down towards the road.

Stage 2 – Windy Knoll Cave to Castleton

Cross the road and follow the path straight ahead keeping the farm directly to the right, ignore the path leading off to the left (towards Blue John Cavern). Continue straight ahead to the top of Winnats Pass and follow the gorge down as far as Speedwell Cavern. There are public toilets here. Just past the cavern cross over the road and take a right through a gate and follow the footpath along the foot of Long Cliff. Exit the footpath onto a lane in Castleton. Follow the road up past the shops towards the War Memorial. Take a left along Back Street and continue past the church. There are several pubs around for refreshments plus gift shops. At the main road continue ahead past the Primary School. As the road bends right go straight ahead into Millbridge.

Hollins Cross and back to Edale Village

Follow the lane between the houses and exit the village. After approximately one mile the lane ends at the entrance to Woodseats Farm (The Liggate). From here there is a tree-lined bridleway directly ahead of you. On reaching open country, turn half-left and follow the obvious path angling up the hillside. At the top of the ridge (Hollins Cross) turn left and follow the paved path towards the summit of Mam Tor. From the summit head back to the top of the ridge at Hollins Cross. Take a left down the path which descends steeply towards Edale. At a fork, take the right path along a wall. At Hollins farm, keep left crossing a short boardwalk and down a flight of steps.

Join the farm track and follow it downhill and over the river. A short path on the left leads up the road; cross over and follow a field side path to a squeeze stile, then cross diagonally to pass under the railway bridge. Turn left at the end of the next field and pass to the right of a stone barn. Follow the part-paved path beyond, to a track. Turn left over Grinds Brook, then right onto a short stepped path up to the lychgate.

Where to eat and drink after hiking Mam Tor from Castleton

The Old Nags Head, a traditional country inn situated in a building dating back to 1577, which also boasts two cottages looking over the beautiful Edale countryside if you’re looking for accommodation. Serving excellent home cooked food, and and having been voted in the top 20 country pubs in the UK by The Times, this hikers bar is also the official starting point of the Pennine Way.

The main menu has a selection of light bites including nachos and loaded fries, alongside jacket potatoes and baguettes (£7.95, served 12pm – 5pm), as well as freshly made 12″ pizzas (from £8.90). There’s a range of burgers and pub classics if you’re after something heartier, including homemade pies and several meat-free and gluten-free options. Our pick, though, has to be the Pick ‘n’ Mix Sausage menu. It’s simple. Pick a sausage, pick a mash and then pick a gravy or sauce to go with it all.

There is also a specials board available to look at. On our visit we opted for braised lamb shank with buttery mash and seasonal veg and were not disappointed. The wine list includes several available by the glass, while the beers include a selection from local breweries as well as their own Nags 1577 dark ale.

Pics from the peaks: more from Mam Tor and Castleton