Mam Tor
Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 2039 out of 2055 hikers
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
Best Hikes to Mam Tor
Tips
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 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 a couple of hours 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
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
Probably the one of the most popular peaks in the Peaks, and when you see the views you can understand why.
February 25, 2019
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