Mam Tor
Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Peak District National Park
Hikes to Mam Tor are magical all year round, placing you on the very threshold between the Dark Peak and the White Peak. With gorgeous Edale on one side; the charming Hope Valley on the other; the huge bulk of Kinder Scout to the north and the limestone splendour of the Winnats Pass to the south, you could make a case for Mam Tor being the beating heart of the Peak District. On a clear enough day, you can see all the way to Manchester.
The unique charms of the Shivering Mountain
The hill is famous for its caverns, where the precious mineral Blue John was once mined. Active landslides on its eastern face have given birth to a number of mini-hills, giving the main summit its title of Mam Tor, or ‘Mother Hill’. Due to this, it is also evocatively known as the Shivering Mountain, thanks to this habit of ‘shivering’ off its layers.
Walking routes to Mam Tor take full advantage of this phenomena, taking you to intriguing places like the ruins of the old A625. Today, the road has been buckled and twisted, overgrown and reclaimed by nature: a post-apocalyptic vision.
There are so many great ways to get to Mam Tor. The summit is the main link between Rushup Edge to the west and the Great Ridge, which terminates on Lose Hill to the east. Fantastically accessible ridge walking on comfortably paved slabs makes this a great day out for the whole family. Castleton is the obvious base, whilst there are plenty of camping options in Edale.
Location: Castleton, High Peak, Derbyshire, East Midlands, England, United Kingdom
Mam Tor is a breathtaking summit with enchanting views over the Peak District. In clear conditions, the views stretch all the way to Manchester. There are so many options when hiking in this area, too. It can get busy, though, so choose your moment.
June 24, 2022
The thing I love about Mam Tor is the sheer amount of options you have. I've been here several times and one option is a really short walk up from the road; this is great if you want to get out and the weather is a little bit less than ideal.
However, if you want to extend this hike, you can climb Mam Tor, descend, and hike up and across Mam Nick, which is a lovely, much longer hike. This hill is quite long in comparison, extending the short Mam Tor hike from an hour or two, to a half-day trip. There's also Win Hill and Lose Hill nearby, and they can provide a further extension, both lovely hikes.
I spent a full day exploring this area and its hills and it wasn't enough! I've been back a few times, but if you're from further afield, I recommend staying here a few days as there are lots of other things to do in and around Castleton too.May 13, 2018
Probably the one of the most popular peaks in the Peaks, and when you see the views you can understand why.
February 25, 2019
Fascinating to see the power of nature and the way the landslips have destroyed the road
May 4, 2018
You can ride your bike up here. There are routes from both the Edale and Castleton sides that take you to Hollins cross . There is also a gate where the road cuts the peaks of mam nick and mam tor. That runs around below the peak to join the limestone pavement section. Stunning views. Get there really early to see it at its best IMHO.
December 29, 2018
Popular spot with great views over the Edale & Castleton valleys, good start point for a hike along the great ridge to Hope or the other way along spectacular Rushup edge and maybe watch the hang gliders
August 27, 2019
Grandiose panoramic view. Beautiful landscape. I will miss the peaks.
October 19, 2019
The view is simply indescribable. She must have been seen.
November 15, 2019
The most beautiful place in the Peak District. The view is terrific. The landscape is picturesquely beautiful. You do not want to leave here. Mam Tor and the surrounding area is a must for every visitor to the Peak District.
December 4, 2019
Savour the dramatic views from Mam Tor over the Peak District. As you ascend the steps keep an eye out for the special stones in the steps, which hint at the iron age settlers who once lived on this hill.
As you start to climb the steps you can see, on the other side of the road, the thin and unstable beds of shale and sandstone of which Mam Tor is made. Take care! Cliffs and unstable edges.January 28, 2020
One of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District. The viewpoint at Mam Tor stretches north over the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and the Derwent Moors. Absolutely stunning
September 6, 2020
Lots of parking, great walking paths, great for everyone in the family. cafe, toilets and national trust shops
October 9, 2019
The views from the top of Mam Tor are simply stunning, taking in the whole of the Hope Valley on one side and the whole of the Edale Valley to Kinder Scout and the Derwent Moors on the other. Mam Tor, literally meaning Mother Hill, stands at 517 m high and towers over Castleton
September 6, 2020
It can be a really busy path to get to the top, so I would suggest trying to go as early as possible, but still, the view of the valley and hills all around is marvelous.
October 10, 2020
Very, very, accessible and beautiful views. Gliders to see too. But, it's a victim of its own success and feels like THE BUSIEST PEAK in the Peak District - think Box Hill in London. Go early, park on the road to blue John cavern and save yourself a fortune.
October 18, 2020
Mother Hill is something special. Go there and check by yourself.
November 11, 2020
This has got to be one of the best lower level walks in the UK. It is a bloody jewel! We started at the Mam Tor Car Park and went up Mam Tor for a superb early morning view. After a photo fest we did the 'Great Ridge' dropped down into lovely Castleton for a mocha and blueberry cake and then went up stunning Cove Dale valley past Pervil Castle back round to the start. A 14km 500m height gain outing done in four hours...and all before 11am. Top top day!!!
Can I just say too that the amount of awesome pictures on this highlight is phenomenal!June 5, 2021
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