Castleton is a village in Derbyshire and is part of the High Peak. It’s very busy tourist trap in the Spring and Summer and parking can be difficult. That’s why I set off very early from home and arrived at 6.30am for the walk.
I headed north from the village and uphill to The Great Ridge. It’s very steep and as you’ll see, can be a challenge to navigate in parts: rocky, muddy and sometimes with running water. Stout walking boots with good ankle support are recommended.
The ascent took me around 90 minutes including breaks and time to enjoy the scenery as I got higher. Don’t be afraid to plonk yourself down on a handy boulder for a breather – you’ll enjoy yourself much more.
There are a lot of sheep with lambs this time of year…
Plus a supremely disinterested cat:
Then it’s onwards and a lot of upwards:
A breather…
And some more upwards…
The view from the Great Ridge is worth the ascent, though.
Then it’s off west to Mam Tor with some more upwards but this time with more gentle inclines.
The day began to brighten!
Then you’re at Mam Tor, the ‘mother hill’. The monument is at the site of a bronze age fort. It allows another great view of Castleton on one side and Edale on the other.
Then it’s all downhill:
Personally I found the entrance to the Blue John Cavern rather uninteresting and at £15 to get in, unlikely. I did enjoy a cup of tea while admiring Mam Tor. Shame about the camper van?
Downwards over the brow of the hill. The walk is a little rough with fine limestone and it’s easy to slip while enjoying the view.
A better view of Mam Tor. You can see where the hillside has repeatedly fallen away.
More sheep and lambs:
And a look at Winnat’s Pass while heading back to heading back to Castleton. It’s spectacular to drive though and the picture and video hardly does it justice. Some hang-gliders too!
And lastly, The Devil’s Arse, if you like that kind of thing…
