What to Expect

Starting from the historic village of Castleton, this popular walk up Mam Tor follows the striking Great Ridge, offering some of the most iconic views in the Peak District. A firm favourite year-round, it’s especially ideal as a New Year outing—perfect for blowing away the cobwebs, kickstarting your fitness, and enjoying a refreshing introduction to the great outdoors. 

This is a great introduction to hill walking. We have a steady incline on the way up to Mam Tor, more rewarding than the short jaunt from the car park. Its along a wide track that is uneven and rocky. As you might already know it can get quite busy on the way up and on top of Mam Tor. But once we leave the summit along the Long Ridge is quietens down, especially once we start heading to Lose Hill. The path here is paved for a lot of the way though does turn to a rocky gravel track eventually. Our descent is fairly steep but we will take our time and the way back into Castleton is easy along field foot paths. We have a little walking through Castleton and cross the road a couple of times. There are livestock, especially sheep, along this walk, often in places you don't expect so dogs on leads at all times. It is exposed along the top and in icy conditions we will have to cancel the walk. There are plenty of escape routes if necessary and we are in a well visited area. It can get muddy and slippy through the fields and along the limestone paths, appropriate footwear is needed and thoughtful steps to be taken. There will be some stiles to climb and squeeze stiles to squeeze through, though the National Park Authority are trying to make it as accessible as possible replacing theses with gates. For those who have some experience walking in the hills this is a standard walk but for those who are new please be aware that even though its popular, we still need to keep ourselves and our dogs safe.