Mam Tor

Mam Tor

Mam Tor rises to 517 m above Castleton in Derbyshire, between the Hope Valley and Edale. Its paved summit, prehistoric earthworks and Great Ridge setting make it a rewarding introduction to the Peak District. In clear weather, look north across Edale to Kinder Scout and south towards the limestone country around Castleton. Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Choose your approach

• Mam Nick: the most direct approach follows stone steps from the National Trust car park. Returning the same way keeps the walk short, although the climb is steep.
• Mam Nick circular: the National Trust's 4.8 km circuit takes about two hours, linking the summit, Hollins Cross, Broken Road and Blue John Cavern. Its Windy Knoll section passes a cave that must not be entered because of rockfall risk.
• Castleton and the Great Ridge: the published village circuit reaches Mam Tor via Treak Cliff and Blue John caverns, then continues over Back Tor to Lose Hill. The main circuit is 6.5 miles; an 8-mile alternative returns through Hope.
• Edale: this 7.3 km circuit climbs via Ollerbrook Farm and Hollins Cross, returning from Mam Nick into Edale. Expect muddy slopes and allow the publisher's estimated 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Rushup Edge: the Barber Booth circuit combines Lord's Seat, Mam Tor and Hollins Cross over 10.4 km. Its published estimate is 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Use the linked route's map and directions: these alternatives have different starts, climbs and returns.

The Shivering Mountain

The name is commonly translated as Mother Hill. Its other name, the Shivering Mountain, reflects the landslips on its flanks. Mam Tor's exposed beds contain sandstone, siltstone and mudstone, above weaker shale. The British Geological Survey distinguishes these rocks from the limestone beneath the landslide. Movement repeatedly damaged the old A625; it was permanently closed to traffic in 1979. The buckled road is a striking reminder that this is unstable ground.

A prehistoric hilltop

The summit lies within a protected hillfort with surviving banks and a ditch. Excavated house platforms and pottery show Late Bronze Age occupation; the enclosure also contains two older burial mounds. The summit trig point stands on a mound partly levelled for a Second World War searchlight emplacement. Follow the paths to protect the earthworks. Historic England · Derbyshire Historic Environment Record

Parking, transport and facilities

Mam Nick is a small, paid National Trust car park at SK123832 and fills quickly at busy times. Use designated parking and obey current signs: Derbyshire County Council's parking changes include red-route restrictions around Mam Tor, while permitted bays remain available. Avoid blocking gates, roads or verges.

Edale and Hope have rail access on the Manchester–Sheffield route. Castleton is served by buses, including the 272 from Sheffield. Plan the onward walk and check return services for your travel day. Car-free walking from Edale

Plan toilet and refreshment stops in the villages before climbing. There are public toilets and a café by Castleton visitor centre, and facilities in Edale. Carry water and food for the hill.

On the hill

The summit and ridge are exposed to wind. Wear suitable footwear for steep steps, wet flagstones and muddy approaches; check the hill forecast and carry a map, waterproofs and an extra layer. Keep back from cliff edges and landslip scars. The Broken Road has steep, tilted and fissured sections, rather than an ordinary smooth road surface. Keep dogs on a lead around livestock and take litter home.

Reviewed 15 October 2026.