Why use Castleton as a base?
Here are our top four walks in and around Castleton. There are many walks you can do around Castleton and many routes are circular walks. This makes Castleton a great base to explore some of the best attractions of the High Peak district and beyond.
Castleton is nestled in the West of Hope Valley, Mam Tor, Peveril Castle, Win Hill, Kinder Scout, amongst many other Peak District highlights are within a walkable distance from Castleton, with walks compensating for all ages and levels of ability.
10th best walk in the UK
Let’s start with the fact that this walk that has been voted the 10th best walk by the public in the top 100 UK walks!! How amazing does that sound?
You are probably wondering what it is… Mam Tor.
What is Mam Tor?
Mam Tor is one of the most well-known hills in the Derbyshire, Peak District; a height of 517 metres (1,696 ft). It has been walked by many people and can also be easily reached from Castleton, without having to drive anywhere.
Mam Tor is known as the ‘Mother Hill’, the name came from the number of landslides in the area resulting in lots of new mini hills. And the history doesn’t stop there as there’s evidence that dates back to the Iron Age, where Mam Tor was an Iron Age hillfort!
Castleton Mam Tor Circular Walk
My first walk suggestion is the round walk from Castleton to Mam Tor. For this walk I am going to literally guide you. To make sure I don’t bore you with words I will list some other recommendations afterwards as well.
This is a particular favourite of mine. However, it does involve a lot of uneven grounding, particularly on the abandoned and aptly named ‘broken road’. So, my tip is to make sure you wear appropriate footwear.
How long does it take?
It takes 3-4 Hours and is approximately 5.5 Miles.
You can literally do this from Candle House, just a few minutes’ walk to the Visitor Centre, which is where I recommend starting.
Let’s start the walk…
Follow Buxton Road for 150 metres and keep an eye out for a public footpath on the right, which takes you down a smooth path towards a stream.
Continue along this footpath as it takes you uphill, past a horse-powered ore crusher, and proceed towards the ‘broken road’. The ‘broken road’ is a fascinating abandoned road, originally built in 1819.
The frequent landslides that occurred on the eastern face of Mam Tor made it difficult to maintain, hence why it was later abandoned.
Continue along this road until you reach the top of the road, at which point you should follow the uphill-running path until a ridge is reached. From this point, you’ll be able to easily identify the ‘yellow brick road’ which leads you directly to the summit of Mam Tor.
Seven wonders of the Peaks
Mam Tor is one of the Seven Wonders of the Peak (according to English philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1636). It offers unbeatable circular views of the Hope Valley, Kinder Scout, and many other treasures of the White and Dark Peak. Have I sold this to you yet?
The same path that leads uphill continues across the summit and goes downhill, running parallel with a road, which leads you to the A623.
Cross the road and, walking on the left, go through the gate and continue through a field, which takes you further downhill. Repeat this action again when you come across the A623 a second time.
Where next?
After this, a narrow road should appear; follow this until you reach a farm gate with a stile. After this, follow the path, and you will eventually reach Cave Dale.
Cave Dale is a valley of limestone and is worth spending a bit of time exploring. At the end of the valley, you’ll come across a triangular shaped patch of grass; follow the left side of this along until you reach Castle Street, which takes you back to Castleton.
It is worth it?
It really is worth doing this walk. Not only because of the views, but it can give you a sneak peak at some areas to visit or further explore.
Castleton definitely has a lot to see. Let me share some more walks…
My other recommendations
Ok, you can tell I love it here. So, I will be quick with my next suggestions. I promised 4 walks, so here they are:
Cavedale round walk, including Peveril Castle
3 hours, 6km. This route involved a lot of stiles that need to be climbed. This can be fun for children too
Castleton to Win Hill Circular
4-6 hours, 9.25 miles. This is recommended for experts, as it is slightly lengthier with a steep ascent. Here is a simple guide.
Vale of Edale Circular Walk
2.5 hours, 7 miles. This walk passes by numerous farms so be vigilant for grazing livestock. There are also numerous stiles that need to be climbed over. This walk is a 15-minute drive outside of Castleton but is worth it for both tranquillity and views of the famed Great Ridge offered. Starting from Edale’s carpark.
Exciting times
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That’s all for now…
We will keep bringing you lots of information about the Peak District. As well as things to do, our fantastic properties and of course we will keep you up to date with Muse Escapes ventures!
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Speak soon
Laura and James
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