Mam Tor Circular Walk: How to Enjoy the Perfect Scenic Route
Limestone Scenery and Castleton Walking Options near Mam Tor
The limestone scenery and commercial caves at Castleton make it a tourist honeypot, with some of the best and most popular walking in northern England. On this Mam Tor Circular Walk you will pass all these attractions: Castleton’s scenic village hemmed in by Hope Valley on three sides, Peveril Castle overlooking the settlement on its southern slopes, Winnats Pass and Mam Tor to the west, and Hollins Cross and Lose Hill to the north. The tallest of these is Mam Tor, rising to 517 metres above sea level.
The village and surrounding area therefore lend themselves to excellent walking, with a competent OS map reader able to devise dozens of circular routes. While parking is competitive and often subject to charges, Castleton and nearby Hope serve as ideal starting points for circular walks around surrounding peaks—or even longer routes into the Vale of Edale and beyond. Both villages boast popular pubs, cafés, hotels and B&Bs, making the area welcoming to avid hikers and families alike.
Parking and Access for Castleton Circular Walks
Beginners and seasoned walkers often park in Hope, where free or low-cost parking is usually available. From there, you can choose multiple trailheads around the valley, including car parks at Mam Nick and near Hope Cement Works.
My Best Mam Tor Circular Walk: Mam Tor, Peveril Castle & Peak District Views
There are countless variations on a Mam Tor circular walk, some as short as a couple of miles. You can start anywhere in the valley—and many drive over Winnats Pass to reduce elevation gain and distance, especially for Mam Tor. This route is busy, so solitude is more likely early or late in the day, and tends to dissipate south of the village along the Limestone Way before returning north towards Mam Tor.
Mam Tor Circular Walk Route Summary
- Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)
- Key Summits: Peveril Castle, Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Lose Hill
- Start/Finish: Castleton or Hope (parking largely free in Hope)
Mam Tor Circular Walk: The route
Hope Valley to Castleton
From Hope’s crossroads (St Peter’s Church/Woodroffe Arms), walk south along the road (approx. 150 metres) to a signposted footpath on the right (Public Footpath No 36 to Castleton). Follow the path gently along the Peakshole Water floodplain across farmland, emerging onto Hope Road (A6187).
Gentle Walking Between Hope and Castleton
You’ll pass Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn and The Peak Hotel—both serve meals and drinks. Public toilets are available opposite. Continue south on the pavement onto Back Street, keeping Ye Olde Nags Head on your right. After the war memorial, turn left, then almost immediately right onto the Limestone Way.
Castleton to Mam Tor via the Limestone Way and Peveril Castle
Good footwear is essential: the path steepens and becomes rocky and wet as it ascends Cave Dale, with Peveril Castle towering to your right.
After about a mile, you’ll reach two junctions offering shortcuts back to Castleton; resist these if you want the full loop.
Stay on the Limestone Way until you reach a five-way junction roughly 200 metres above Castleton. Follow the sign to Eldon and Winnats Head, heading west briefly before looping northwest toward Mam Tor.
Ascending Mam Tor
At the A623 above Winnats Pass, cross the road and take the uphill trail via steps to Mam Tor’s summit (517 m). Enjoy unrivalled panoramas of the Peak District’s dramatic folds and valleys. The well-maintained steps and track ensure a manageable ascent, and the ridge walk is a highlight for photographers and families alike.
Mam Tor to Hollins Cross
Follow the ridge west, descending slightly before ascending to Hollins Cross (426 m). Here, trails branch off into the Vale of Edale or back to Hope Valley via Treak Cliff Cavern. This section offers steep but secure ridgeline walking and fabulous sunset views. Hollins Cross sits at the heart of the Great Ridge, connecting Mam Tor to Lose Hill. From here, hikers can choose their own adventure—either descending into the secluded Vale of Edale or continuing along the ridge to Lose Hill for a longer loop.
Hollins Cross to Back Tor
For the full loop, continue northwest to Lose Hill (476 m). If you were short of time or wanted to shorten the walk, you could skip the final rise to Lose Hill and cut a shorter path back to Hope or Castleton. But you’d miss my favourite part of the whole walk: a short, steep climb that feels like scaling the back of a Stegosaurus, up Back Tor. Evening photos here catch the sunlight perfectly as it sets on the Tor, casting dramatic shadows across the ridge.
Completing the Mam Tor Circular Walk Loop
From Lose Hill, follow the gentle ridge for 2 miles back to Edale Road — with no exposed edges or drop-offs, making it ideal even for those uneasy with heights.
It’s a satisfying finish to the walk, with expansive views and a gentle return to the valley floor.A gentle half-mile stroll past a pub returns you to Hope village
Mam Tor Circular Walk — Explore It on YouTube
Mam Tor Circular Walk | Route Map
Blue line indicates the route.
Mam Tor Circular Walk FAQs
How long is the Mam Tor circular walk?
This classic Mam Tor circular walk is around 9 miles (14.5 km), starting and finishing in Castleton or Hope. Shorter variations exist — some just a couple of miles — but the full loop includes Peveril Castle, Mam Tor (517 m), Hollins Cross, Back Tor, and Lose Hill.
Where do you park for the Mam Tor walk?
Parking is competitive in Castleton, but nearby Hope village offers free or low‑cost options. Trailheads include Mam Nick car park and areas near Hope Cement Works. Many walkers drive over Winnats Pass to reduce elevation gain before tackling Mam Tor.
Is the Mam Tor walk suitable for families?
Yes. The well‑maintained steps and track to Mam Tor’s summit make the ascent manageable for families. The ridge walk offers dramatic but secure paths, and the gentle return from Lose Hill to Hope is ideal even for those uneasy with heights.
How difficult is the Mam Tor circular walk?
It’s moderate. Expect steep climbs (Cave Dale, Mam Tor, Back Tor) and rocky terrain, but the paths are secure. The ridge sections — Mam Tor to Hollins Cross and on to Lose Hill — are highlights for experienced walkers and photographers.
What views can you see from Mam Tor?
From Mam Tor’s summit, you’ll enjoy panoramas of Hope Valley, Winnats Pass, the Vale of Edale, Kinder Scout, and Lords Seat. Sunset views from Hollins Cross and Back Tor are especially dramatic, with limestone scenery and Castleton’s village below.
Are there alternative routes around Mam Tor?
Yes. Walkers can shorten the loop by skipping Lose Hill or extend it into the Vale of Edale. Castleton’s limestone scenery and Peveril Castle offer additional circular options, and OS map readers can devise dozens of variations across the valley.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Mam Tor?
Mam Tor sits at the heart of the Peak District, and the surrounding Castleton area offers a wide range of outdoor adventures. In addition to the famous circular walks, you can explore limestone caves such as Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, and Treak Cliff Cavern, which are popular tourist attractions.
What family‑friendly activities are available?
Families can enjoy gentle walks between Hope and Castleton, visit Peveril Castle for history and views, or explore the caverns. Castleton village itself has cafés, pubs, and visitor facilities, making it a welcoming base for outdoor exploration