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Castleton 5 mile walk
Click images to enlarge

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Yes, this really once was a road!

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The descent into Castleton and the promise of refreshments soon!

Location: Castleton
County: Derbyshire
Activities:
Walks

Area Guides:
Castleton


Details: Castleton Circuit – 5 miles of views!

Try this circular walk of 5 miles which passes the devastation of the landslipped Mam Tor
Road and the summit of the famous hill itself, before skirting a high level ridge towards Hollins Cross
and dropping down once more to return to the village of Castleton for a well earned bite!

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* Allow up to 3 hours if you’re reasonably fit!

Start at the Castleton Tourist Information car park.
Walking towards the main road, turn immediately right and follow the pavement
for a few hundred yards until you arrive opposite the entrance to Peak Cavern
(Devil’s Arse!) and a footpath sign. Hidden on your right is a narrow
snicket between the houses which spills out onto a series of field paths and stiles which you should follow in the unmissable direction of the highest peak in the distance, Mam Tor.

The path is easy to follow and signposted. Eventually, 100 yards or so past a cottage on your right, you will meet a stile by the side of a tarmac road at which point you should turn right and head up past Odin Mine keeping to the little used road (you'll discover why shortly!).

In a few minutes you'll round a bend to a gate through which the devastation of the land slips of the mid 1970’s is evident, causing this once busy through-road to be closed and lost forever.

Today, the remains of the road are still passable on foot (and perhaps mountain bike!) with care – but watch out for the steep drops however, especially if walking with dogs or children.

Further on and climbing you will pass the famous Blue John mine on your left before picking up an obvious stile in the wall on your right. This marks the steep but fairly short ascent to the summit of Mam Tor, very popular on summer afternoons due to the car park down to your left, so beware!

Once the summit of this ‘shivering mountain’ is scaled, and after taking in the glorious views (if you’re lucky), a gentle descent along the edge ahead is the pleasing prospect in front of you as it skirts away en route to Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill. The pinnacle of Win Hill is unmistakeable in the distance. Over to your left as you descend by virtue of the erosion proof, stone-slab path is Kinder plateau and the village of Edale.

Continue along the edge until you arrive at a confluence of paths immediately prior to a distinct rise in front of you - a point clearly identifiable by a substantial and square stone squatting on the walkway.

But we’re not doing any more ascending today thank you!

Instead, take the broader and more obvious of the two paths that drop down to your right and allow yourself the thought of the refreshments shortly to be enjoyed in Castleton.

Meander down along this obvious path until you arrive at a few houses marking your arrival back in the village. At the main road, cross with care and follow the pavement round to your right, past the shops and back down to the car park and Tourist Information centre.

Then choose your watering hole!



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Another Peak District Tourist Guide listing created by Let's Stay Peak District - Tel: 01629 640 640.