Peak District Walk
Mam Tor & Cave Dale from Castleton
Walk Route Description
Click thumbnails for larger images.
Interesting walks containing both the White and Dark Peaks are limited to the areas where the Limestone and Gritstone meet. The following Peak District 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Go to full list of Peak District Walks
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL1 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY MAP |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL1 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY MAP |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 110 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY MAP |
| Anquet OS Landranger 110 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY MAP |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
Printer Friendly Page
For an easy to print version of this walk description and outline map Click Here
OS Map showing start
Ordnance Survey Map showing starting point of walk - Click Here
GPX File
Right click or option-click the link and choose "Save As..." to download this file.
You can also view the route of this GPX file on Google Maps by following this link to the Online GPX Viewer by Tom Hallam which is hosted on an external website.
Recommended Reading
Walking in Derbyshire
Walking guidebook to 60 circular day walks in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Includes the Derwent, Wye and Trent river valleys, near Derby, Matlock, Glossop, Bakewell and Ripley. Routes range from easy to moderate and are between 4 and 14km (2 to 10 miles). Walks focus on places of interest, from Stone Age forts to castles to grand estates.
More information
Recommended Cottage Holidays
Over 7,000 personally inspected holiday cottages. In fact, we think we've got the finest selection in some of the UK and Ireland's most beautiful places.