🥾 ABOUT THE WALK 🥾

This is a popular trail at the edge of the Dark Peak and White Peak region in the Peak District National Park, taking you up to Mam Tor, one of the most iconic hills in England, also known as the “Shivering Mountain”. From this first peak, the route continues along the undulating spine of the Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, Back Tor, and Lose Hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys before heading back via Castleton, Cave Dale, and Slitherstone Hill.

We start this trail from the Mam Nick car park (National Trust – or £6 for the day, no height restrictions) along Sheffield Road and pass through the woods. Continue following the path up the grassland slope, which involves a well-maintained series of stone steps that guide you towards the summit of Mam Tor and will get the heart going.

At the top, you’ll find the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort and are greeted with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, the charming village of Castleton, and glimpses of Manchester on a clear day.

Mam Tor, which translates to “Mother Hill”, is so named because of the small hills that surround it, formed by landslides. It is also known as the “Shivering Mountain” because of these landslides.

Continue by following the undulating spine of the Great Ridge, connecting Mam Tor to Lose Hill. As you make your way along, enjoy the epic views on both sides, with the Kinder Plateau to the northwest, as well as Castleton, Peveril Castle, and Winnats Pass on the other side. The path along the ridge is easily navigable, often a flagstone path, and well-maintained.

As you make your way along the Great Ridge, you’ll come across Hollins Cross, a point where paths intersect. Hollins Cross is the lowest point along the ridge and derived its name from a cross that once stood on this spot, though it vanished by 1905. However, a memorial was erected near this spot by the Ramblers Association in 1964 to honour the memory of Tom Hyett, an avid walker.

Continue past Banker Bank and Back Tor as you make your way to Lose Hill, which is marked by a cairn and is the last peak along the ridge. Enjoy the expansive views that unfurl before you from this spot before starting the descent via a series of steps that lead you to a footpath traversing the grass slopes.

With the steepest part of this descent behind you, continue along a lovely tree-lined stream through the grass fields before you arrive at the paved lane, which leads you to Castleton.

The village is an excellent place to stop for some refreshments in one of the inviting cafes and pubs before starting the second leg of the journey, which takes you past Peveril Castle, which dates back to the late 11th century and makes for a fascinating visit.

The path takes you through picturesque Cave Dale, a limestone valley formed by glacial meltwater and continues through the valley and across the grassland to Slitherstone Hill. Enjoy the views of Mam Tor and the Great Ridge from this angle before making your way back to the car park, passing Windy Knoll Cave on the way.

Dogs are welcome, but keep in mind that you’re likely to encounter livestock on the way, so leads are needed. Additionally, please be aware that there are several stiles to negotiate along the route, which may pose challenges, particularly for larger dogs.

❓ ROUND-ROBIN QUESTION: It’s aura awareness day – are you aware of your aura?

Please arrive by 8.45 am we will set off at 9 am sharp. If this is your first AG walk, then please arrive nice and early and seek out the walk leader who will be wearing a red “walk leader” pin badge.

📍 WHAT3WORDS: https://what3words.com/silly.device.sprinting

Click the link above, then click “Navigate using Google Maps” . We often meet in places where there is no postcode, so we encourage you to use the What3Words app which will take you to the exact location.

🗣 WALK LEADER(S): Julia Doherty

🐶 IS THIS WALK DOG FRIENDLY? Small dogs only as we have some stiles on this one.

☕️ REFRESHMENTS: We will stop for a break in Castleton, but please bring snacks and a drink with you.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

* Good walking shoes is essential (and other clothes of course!).

* A drink.

* First aid kit

* Rain gear

⛑ RULES TO KEEP YOU SAFE :

• We walk in all weathers, however, if we have a weather warning then the event may be cancelled. Keep an eye on your emails and the Facebook event page for notifications of any cancellations.
• We will only ever walk in groups of 15 or less. If we have more than 15, we will usually have two walk leaders and walk in opposite directions.
• We supply free sweets at the halfway stage – we call this “squidge and dip” – hand sanitiser, then dip in for your free sweets.