There's something special about walking along the Great Ridge in the Peak District. With sweeping views across the Hope Valley and Edale, dramatic hills stretching into the distance and one of Britain's most recognisable ridgelines beneath your boots, it's easy to see why this is such a popular walk.
I explored Mam Tor and the Great Ridge during my three-day Peak District adventure in October 2026, and this 10.75km circular route is a fantastic way to experience some of the area's finest scenery.
Mam Tor & The Great Ridge – Walk at a Glance
Location: Castleton, Peak District, Derbyshire
Distance: 10.75km (6.7 miles)
Route: Circular
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Ridge paths, stone steps, grassy tracks and uneven ground
Highlights: Mam Tor, the Great Ridge, panoramic views across the Hope Valley and Edale
Navigation: View the route on OS Maps
Parking & Starting Point – Castleton
I was staying in Castleton during my Peak District trip, so I was able to leave my car at the hotel and set off on foot.
If you're visiting for the day, Castleton has several parking options. The most convenient is Castleton Visitor Centre Car Park (S33 8WN), a pay-and-display car park in the village centre, with public toilets nearby.
Another option is Peak Cavern Car Park, also within walking distance of the village.
I'd recommend arriving early, particularly at weekends, as Castleton is a popular starting point for walks.
My route began in Castleton, heading towards Lose Hill first, before following the spectacular Great Ridge towards Mam Tor.
The Walk – Castleton to Lose Hill
Setting off from Castleton, I headed towards Lose Hill, the first major climb of the day and the eastern end of the famous Great Ridge.
Leaving the village behind, the route gradually opens up into the surrounding countryside, with views across the Hope Valley becoming more impressive as you gain height.
The climb to Lose Hill certainly gets the legs working, but the reward is worth the effort. From the summit, you're treated to sweeping views across the Peak District, with the Great Ridge stretching out ahead towards Back Tor, Hollins Cross and Mam Tor.
It's one of those moments when you can see exactly where your walk is taking you — and you know you're in for something special.
Along the Great Ridge – Back Tor and Hollins Cross
From Lose Hill, the walk really comes into its own. Ahead lies one of the most recognisable ridgelines in the Peak District, with a wonderful succession of hills leading towards Mam Tor.
The path follows the crest of the Great Ridge, with expansive views across the Hope Valley on one side and the Edale Valley on the other. It's the sort of scenery that makes you want to stop every few minutes, not because you're tired, but because there's another view worth taking in.
One of the highlights along this stretch is Back Tor, where the ridge becomes noticeably rockier and steeper. The stone steps and rugged terrain add a little adventure to the walk, although it's worth taking care, particularly when the ground is wet.
Beyond Back Tor, the route continues towards Hollins Cross, the natural saddle between Lose Hill and Mam Tor. It's a popular meeting point for several walking routes and a lovely place to pause and appreciate the surrounding landscape.
Looking back towards Lose Hill gives you a real sense of the distance already covered, while Mam Tor rises invitingly ahead.
Despite its popularity, there's something wonderfully uplifting about walking this stretch of the Great Ridge. The scenery seems to change with every step, and the open landscape makes the whole experience feel much bigger than the distance on the map might suggest.
Hollins Cross to Mam Tor – The Shivering Mountain
Leaving Hollins Cross behind, the path begins its final climb towards Mam Tor, one of the Peak District's most famous landmarks.
The route follows the broad ridge upwards, with stone steps helping walkers tackle the steeper sections. As you gain height, the views become increasingly spectacular, stretching across the Hope Valley, Edale and the surrounding hills.
Standing at 517 metres (1,696 feet), Mam Tor is affectionately known as the Shivering Mountain, a name inspired by the frequent landslips on its eastern slopes.
The summit is also home to the remains of an ancient hillfort, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age.
Reaching the top is a wonderful moment. Looking back along the Great Ridge towards Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill, you can trace much of the route you've just walked.
It's easy to understand why Mam Tor attracts so many visitors. The views are outstanding, and there's something particularly satisfying about reaching the summit after walking the length of the ridge rather than taking the shorter route up from Mam Nick.
For me, this was one of the highlights of my three-day Peak District adventure — a fantastic combination of open landscapes, dramatic scenery and rewarding walking.
Returning to Castleton – Via Winnats Pass
After enjoying the views from Mam Tor, it was time to begin the return journey towards Castleton, taking in another of the Peak District's most dramatic landmarks — Winnats Pass.
Having spent much of the walk following the open ridgeline, the scenery changed dramatically as I approached Winnats Pass. Towering limestone cliffs rise on either side of the narrow valley, creating a completely different atmosphere from the sweeping views along the Great Ridge.
Winnats Pass is one of those places that photographs struggle to do justice. The scale of the surrounding rock formations is remarkable, and it's easy to see why it's become such an iconic Peak District location.
It's also worth taking extra care here, particularly around the steep slopes and roadside sections, where traffic can be busy.
Continuing back towards Castleton, I completed my 10.75km circular walk, having experienced two very different sides of the Peak District in a single outing.
What made this route particularly rewarding was the variety. From the climb to Lose Hill and the spectacular Great Ridge to the summit of Mam Tor and the dramatic limestone scenery of Winnats Pass, there was something memorable around every corner.
And finishing in Castleton meant there were plenty of opportunities for a well-earned drink or something to eat!
Practical Tips for Walking Mam Tor & The Great Ridge
Start early: Mam Tor and the Great Ridge are among the Peak District's most popular walking destinations, particularly at weekends and during school holidays. An early start gives you a better chance of enjoying the quieter paths.
Wear suitable footwear: Although much of the ridge follows well-established paths, there are steep sections, stone steps and uneven ground, especially around Back Tor and the descent towards Winnats Pass. Walking boots or sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.
Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly on the exposed ridgeline. Even on a pleasant day in Castleton, it can be considerably windier higher up. Carry a waterproof jacket and an extra layer.
Take enough water and snacks: There are no reliable refreshment stops along the ridge itself, so carry what you need until you return to Castleton.
Take care around Winnats Pass: The limestone slopes can be steep and slippery, and the road through the pass carries traffic. Follow established paths and avoid walking along the road wherever possible.
Download your route: Mobile reception can be unreliable in parts of the Peak District. Downloading the route to OS Maps before setting off is a sensible precaution.
Final Thoughts – Is the Mam Tor & Great Ridge Walk Worth It?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a walk that captures everything special about the Peak District, this circular route from Castleton is a fantastic choice.
From the rewarding climb to Lose Hill and the spectacular ridge walk across Back Tor and Hollins Cross to the summit of Mam Tor and the dramatic limestone scenery of Winnats Pass, there's so much variety packed into 10.75km.
For me, walking the Great Ridge from Lose Hill towards Mam Tor was particularly satisfying. There's something wonderful about looking along the ridgeline, seeing the hills stretching out ahead and knowing you'll be walking across them.
This was the first of my three days exploring the Peak District in October 2026, and it certainly set the bar high for the adventures that followed!
If you're planning your own Peak District adventure, take a look at my other walks and guides on Walking in Circles UK, including more routes around this beautiful part of England.
Happy Hiking!
Marc – Walking in Circles UK