Mam Tor Tour
This is the first hiking route I've decided to offer instructions, taking you by Mam Tor, Lose Hill, Hope and Castleton, and finally up through Winnats Pass. At roughly 8 miles long, with some relatively steep sections, it makes for a good half day walk or longer depending on how quickly you walk and/or if you spend more time in Hope/Castleton. Parking can be found on the south-west side of Mam Tor, either in the Mam Nick Car Park (National Trust/Pay & Display) or on the road next to it. Alternatively, you could start the walk in Castleton or Hope.
The Route
The route itself generally follows well walked paths, with the path being paved with flagstones around Mam Tor. Along the ridge, the path is generally smooth however there is a short, steep rocky stretch just over halfway along. Lower down in the fields, you will generally be walking on grass and on pavement/road through the villages and Winnats pass. Please bear in mind that the ground at times may be muddy and a little boggy in places, especially after rainfall, though generally conditions are good. There are steps in places.
Firstly, follow the path out the top of the car park and up the hill, it follows the road for a short while and then at the bend go through the gate and follow the path up on to Mam Tor. From the trig point at the top you should be able to see the rest of the route along the ridge.
Continue to follow the path for roughly 2 miles along the ridge. There is a short steep section with a rocky surface which effectively creates steps - in may present a small challenge to some. After reaching the top of this, the rise gently up to Lose Hill.
Once you reach the trig point at the top of Lose Hill, follow the path downhill roughly going south-east. Upon reaching a fence, cross over so it's on your left and then follow the path along it.
After a short distance you'll reach the back of Losehill Farm. Follow the path round the back of it and after about 30m(90ft) turn right to go across a field with a stone wall to your left.
Follow that path, which should be well worn, through several fields with the wall switching from your left to your right and back again several times.
Upon reaching some buildings on your right, the path should go under a railway bridge and continue across 3 more fields, through a small alleyway, before coming out on a road next to Hope Primary School.
Turn left and then at the end of the road turn right on Edale Road. Follow this to the main street (Castleton Rd/A6187).
Turn right and follow the road for approx 1.9 miles, going through Hope and Castleton - there are plenty of places to eat and visit in Castleton and, to a lesser extent, Hope.
About 150m(500ft) after the final house in Castleton, turn left on to Arthur's Way and follow this road up and through Winnats Pass - a particularly impressive, if steep, road to take.
After passing through Winnats Pass, continue along the road and at the T-junction turn right. About 3/4 towards the bend, there's a path which cuts across the field through a gate on the left side of the road.
Follow the path across the field before exiting onto the road.
It's then a short stretch along the road back up to the car park.
That's the walk complete. If you give it a go, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and hopefully I'll continue to post more of these routes in the future. As always, thanks for reading.
