Highlight • Summit
Hiking
4.8
(258)
Mam Tor, often called the "Mother Hill" or "Shivering Mountain," is a prominent 517-meter (1,696 ft) hill nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England. Located near the charming village of Castleton, this iconic landmark marks the meeting point of the Dark Peak's gritstone edges and the White Peak's limestone plateaux. Its summit is crowned by the remains of an ancient Bronze Age hill fort, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its natural beauty.
…This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
June 4, 2022
Hiking
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Nearby routes
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Details
Informations
Elevation 450 m
Weather
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Thursday 2 April
12°C
3°C
64 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h
Most visited during
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While Mam Tor offers stunning winter views, conditions can be challenging. The path to the summit can become icy or muddy, and weather in the Peak District changes rapidly. Hikers should wear warm, waterproof layers, including a hat, gloves, and sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Carrying extra layers, a headlamp, and checking the weather forecast before setting out is highly recommended.
Mam Tor is very dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs on a lead, especially near the summit and edges, for their safety and the safety of other visitors. The area is also home to livestock, so keeping dogs under control is essential to prevent disturbing sheep or cattle. Always clean up after your dog.
The charming village of Castleton, located at the base of Mam Tor, offers a variety of options. You'll find several traditional pubs serving food and drinks, cafes for refreshments, and various accommodation choices ranging from B&Bs to guesthouses. The nearby village of Hope also provides additional amenities.
While Mam Tor itself can be busy, especially on weekends, exploring the wider Great Ridge towards Lose Hill can offer quieter sections with equally spectacular views. For a different perspective, consider trails around Win Hill, which provides excellent views back towards Mam Tor and the Hope Valley, often with fewer crowds. Early mornings or weekdays are generally less busy on Mam Tor itself.
The ascent to Mam Tor's summit from the National Trust car park at Mam Nick is relatively short and can take as little as 20-30 minutes for a fit hiker. If you're starting from Castleton or incorporating it into a longer walk along the Great Ridge, the total duration will be significantly longer, typically 2-4 hours depending on the route and pace.
The diverse landscape around Mam Tor supports various wildlife. You might spot birds of prey such as kestrels or buzzards soaring overhead. The moorland and grassland areas are home to ground-nesting birds, so sticking to paths is important. Keep an eye out for sheep and cattle grazing, and occasionally, you might see small mammals like stoats or weasels.
Absolutely. Mam Tor is famous for its active landslips on the eastern face, which earned it the name 'Shivering Mountain.' You can see the remnants of the old A625 road, which was abandoned due to these continuous movements. At the summit, explore the earthworks of a late Bronze Age and early Iron Age univallate hillfort, one of Britain's earliest and largest. Two Bronze Age burial mounds are also present near the summit.
Both Mam Tor and Win Hill offer fantastic views in the Peak District, but they provide different perspectives. Mam Tor is known for its panoramic views of the Hope and Edale Valleys and its accessible, well-paved path. Win Hill, while slightly more challenging with a steeper ascent, offers excellent views of Ladybower Reservoir and a unique vantage point looking back towards Mam Tor and the Great Ridge. Mam Tor is generally considered easier and more family-friendly for a quick summit experience.
Yes, Mam Tor is accessible by public transport. Buses run to Castleton, which is a popular starting point for walks up Mam Tor and along the Great Ridge. From Castleton, it's a walk of a few kilometers to reach the main ascent paths. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.
Yes, many popular circular walks incorporate the Mam Tor summit. A classic route involves walking along the Great Ridge from Mam Tor to Lose Hill and then descending into the Hope or Edale Valley before looping back to Castleton or your starting point. Another option is a shorter circular route from the Mam Nick car park, taking in the summit and a section of the ridge before returning. These routes offer continuous stunning views and varied terrain.
For beginners and families, the most accessible route is from the National Trust car park at Mam Nick. A well-maintained, paved path leads directly to the summit, offering an 'instant reward' of spectacular views with a relatively short and gentle ascent. This path is suitable for most fitness levels and provides an excellent introduction to the area's beauty.