A Full Guide to the 10 Best Castleton Walks Peak District
What are the best walks in Castleton in the Peak District? The Peak District is a beautiful national park in the north of England, known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages.
Castleton, in particular, is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of hiking trails that showcase the best of the national park’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or a challenging hike, you’ll find something to suit your needs with this list of the best walks from Castleton.
We will share our top picks for the best walks in the area because it is a place we know and love!
After your hike, Castleton village offers a variety of options for refreshments and sustenance, with many pubs, cafes, and shops to choose from. There are also several exciting things to do in Castleton if you wish to discover the idyllic village afterwards.
Car Park in Castleton
Castleton is a popular destination in the Peak District and, as such, can become quite busy, especially during peak season. However, several car parks are available in the village where you can park your car while exploring the area.
It’s worth noting that public toilets are available at the Castleton Visitor Centre, where the car park is also located. However, there are generally no other toilets along the routes, so keep that in mind.
Additionally, the Castleton Visitor Centre has a small cafe, but it opens at 10 am, so plan if you’re starting early.
Car parking address: Castleton Visitor Centre, Buxton Rd, Castleton, S33 8WN
You can follow the Google Maps directions here.
Castleton Weather
Check what the weather is like so that you are prepared for the conditions. We usually check both the websites below:
10 Best Castleton Walks
Please remember to be prepared (clothes, food, shoes, water), take a paper map and tell someone where you are going! Also, the approximate times will depend on your fitness level or how many pictures you want to take!
Mam Tor
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 5.4 miles
The Mam Tor walk is a popular route that takes hikers to the summit of Mam Tor, a hill in the Peak District of England. The walk is considered moderate in terms of difficulty and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The walk starts in the village of Castleton and takes hikers through the picturesque Hope Valley before climbing up to the summit of Mam Tor. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of the surrounding hills, including the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout.
For complete directions, please read Mam Tor Walk.
Winnats Pass Walk
Time: 1-1 hour- 30 minutes
Distance: 2.7 miles
The Winnats Pass is a limestone gorge located in the Peak District of England, near the village of Castleton. The walk from Castleton to Winnats Pass is a popular route that takes hikers through the beautiful and dramatic landscape of the gorge.
The walk is considered moderate in terms of difficulty, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the limestone cliffs and the surrounding countryside.
Are you interested in learning more? Please read Winnats Pass Walk from Castleton.
Mam Tor and the Great Ridge via Elbow Ridge
Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6.5 miles
Mam Tor, known as “The Shivering Mountain” and the Great Ridge, is a prominent ridge in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District, and it is a popular spot for hikers and walkers.
The Mam Tor summit is located on the Great Ridge, and the Great Ridge walk is a popular route that takes hikers along the ridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It made a list of the top 10 hikes in the UK, so no wonder it is one of the best Castleton walks.
Lose Hill
Distance: 5 miles/ 8km
Time: 2-3 hours
The Lose Hill walk is a fantastic option for those looking for a shorter hike in the Castleton area, and it is one of the best Castleton walks. While it is slightly shorter than nearby Mam Tor, reaching 476 meters in elevation as opposed to 517 meters, it still offers breathtaking views of the Hope Valley.
Despite being a shorter walk, it is still a popular choice as it is part of the Great Ridge, so be prepared for some company on the summit unless you choose to go for an early morning or late evening walk.
Cave Dale
Distance: 2 miles/3.3 km
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
The Cave Dale walk is a must-do for those visiting Castleton and is one of the best walks from Castleton. It is a hidden gem tucked away from the main sight of the village but offers a beautiful short route that is perfect for getting a taste of the area.
This walk begins by taking you through the village, into Cave Dale, and then gradually climbing before looping back near Peveril Castle. On the way back down, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the views of Mam Tor and the Great Ridge as you return to the village.
Are you interested in this walk? Please read Cave Dale Walk from Castleton.
Mam Tor and Hollins Cross
Distance: 5 miles/8 km
Time: 2-3 hours
The Mam Tor and Hollins Cross walk from Castleton village takes you to Hollins Cross, then along the Great Ridge of the Peak District, and finally, you will have a steady climb to the summit of Mam Tor, where you will find the trig point marking the peak. It is one of the best Castleton walks.
Mam Tor, also known as the “Shivering Mountain,” is a hill in the Peak District of England. It is located in the Dark Peak area of the park and stands at 517 meters (1,696 feet) above sea level.
The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Hope Valley, Castleton, and Edale Valley.
Hope and Win Hill
Walk Distance: 14.5 km/ 9 miles
Time: 4-6 hours
Win Hill and Hope is a 9-mile hike that takes you through the villages of Hope and Aston and then continues to the summit of Win Hill, offering stunning views of Ladybower Reservoir.
Win Hill stands at 462 meters (1,516 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by the River Derwent to the east, the River Noe to the southwest and Ladybower Reservoir to the north.
At the top of Win Hill, you can find Win Hill Pike, locally known as the Pimple.
Walks near Castleton
Kinder Scout
Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8.5 miles
One of the most exciting walks near Castleton is the Kinder Scout walk, a popular route that takes hikers to the summit of Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the Peak District of England.
The walk starts in the village of Edale and takes hikers up Jacob’s Ladder before climbing up to the summit of Kinder Scout. The walk is considered challenging in terms of difficulty, with steep inclines and rocky terrain.
Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Kinder Reservoir and the Edale Valley. It is a great way to experience the wild and rugged beauty of the Peak District, and a good level of fitness is required to complete the hike.
Are you interested in learning more? Please read Kinder Scout Walk.
Bamford Edge
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2 miles
The Bamford Edge walk offers adventurous individuals a chance to experience breathtaking views on a short hike.
Prepare for the awe-inspiring sights of Ladybower Reservoir, Hope Valley, and beyond. Located in the Dark Peaks of the Peak District National Park near Bamford village, Bamford Edge is a gritstone rock overhang offering unparalleled views of the moor and peaks.
It’s also a favourite spot for climbers, so you may have the opportunity to watch them tackle the rocks while taking in the scenery. It is easily one of the best walks near Castleton.
Are you interested in learning more? Please read Bamford Edge Walk.
Ladybower Reservoir
Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 5-miles
One of the best walks near Castleton is the Ladybower Reservoir walk. The Y-shaped walk is easy to navigate and offers stunning views, featuring well-maintained paths on a circular route.
Built between 1935 and 1943, it was officially opened by King George VI in 1945. The reservoir, located in a deep valley, can hold a massive 28,350 megalitres or 6,300 million gallons of water, equivalent to 11,000 Olympic swimming pools, thanks to the high average rainfall in the area. It is a memorable hike, and it is perfect all year round.
Are you interested in learning more? Please read Ladybower Reservoir Walk.
Overall Thoughts on the Best Castleton Walks
Castleton and the surrounding area offer a wealth of walking options for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or a more challenging hike, there’s something for everyone.
The Peak District National Park is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes, and Castleton is the perfect base from which to explore them.
From the easy, family-friendly walk around Ladybower Reservoir to the more strenuous hike up to Kinder Scout, or Mam Tor, there are plenty of unforgettable Castleton walks to choose from. Have fun! There’s a reason why we visit time and time again!
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
