WALK
A Peak District classic The Great Ridge from Castleton
With John Watson of Dearne Valley Ramblers. Photographs by John Watson
A nine-mile Peak District walk with panoramic views and picturesque villages.
GRADE: Strenuous in places but the Ridge and route from
Hope are easy walking.
START: Where the road to Speedwell and Treak Cliff Caverns meet (about 800 metres west of Castleton Village) S33 8WN.
The walk starts with a leg- stretching ascent up the impressive Winnats Pass limestone gorge passing Speedwell Cavern on the left and using the clear footpath alongside the road. Towards the top of Winnats, turn right through a gate through the dry stone wall and head up a small side valley onto open grassland where a splendid view of Mam Tor appears straight ahead. Aim for the gate in the far corner and cross the road. Directly opposite, take the clearly marked path onto Windy Knoll. National Trust signs show the well worn track towards the Shivering Mountain (Mam Tor).
‘‘Even on a windy day, the splendid views from the Trig. Point are impressive looking down the Ridge and into Hope and Edale Valleys’’
Cross the A625 (defunct) and follow the track to the stile at Mam Nick. Turn immediately right over the stile and take the steps. These were laid down by the National Trust to ease the problem of erosion caused by the thousands of walkers and schoolchildren making this ‘pilgrimage’ every year to enjoy the magnificent views from the summit of Mam Tor.
Look out for the thought- provoking medallions set at the sides of the steps showing detail of human existence when this was an Iron Age hill fort.
Even on a windy day, the splendid views from the Trig. Point are impressive looking down the Ridge and into Hope and Edale Valleys. Descending from the summit, head towards Hollins Cross on the clear wide footpath which is partly paved.
On reaching Hollins Cross, if the lure of the lovely tea shops of Castleton is too strong, then the pack horse track on the right at the topograph can be taken instead. However, the route holds many more rewards when following the clearly marked and well-trodden footpath along the Ridge north eastwards towards impressive Back Tor looming ahead. Its sheered face is reached by crossing the stile at its low point and taking the safer path beside the fence on the right, away from the rock face.
Then climb steeply to the summit to take in the view of Lose Hill half a mile away and the last peak on the Great Ridge. Back Tor cairn is an ideal place for a well-earned lunch
stop, resting against the dry stone wall and admiring the aerial view of ‘tiny’ Castleton below (with its Blue John show caves). Follow the path to Lose Hill (or
Ward’s Piece) and as it begins to descend it turns to the right going down to a double stile. Follow the path to Losehill Farm and ignore the footpath on the left to Losehill End. Take the footpath straight on downhill, through lovely meadows, over the footbridge, passing the cement works rail track then passing the school into Hope Village. On reaching the A625 turn sharp left by the church then fork right (Pindale sign) down the lane to the bridge and climb up the road for approximately 80 metres and take the gate on the right to follow Peakshole Water, the source of which is at Peak Cavern. The footpath follows between the fences passing through several
gates and over stiles and crossing the single track railway from Hope Cement Works once again It crosses over the fields and strays away slightly from the river which remains on the right.
Castleton Village can be clearly seen ahead and is reached by climbing over several stiles to reach a lane which leads to the A6187. Turn left and follow the road with care round the S bend back into Castleton. Keep on Main Street passing the National Park Information Centre (well worth a visit after partaking of a well-earned beverage or ice-cream) on the right. Continue gently uphill passing Peak Cavern and Peveril Castle on the left until reaching the start again. You will be full of wonderful memories and a deep sense of achievement knowing that you have walked one of the finest rambles that Britain has to offer!
42
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk A ‘lonely bouquet’ made by the
group and is left in public places for a lucky recipient to find
Made by a member during a workshop
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