Broady’s Big Walk – Winnats Pass, Castleton and Mam Tor!
On the Easter Bank Holiday of 2019, I decided to go and do something I’d been promising myself since starting my new hobby of tackling peaks around the Pennines! I tackled Mam Tor!
This walk was more than just going up and down a hill to reach the peak, with Mam Tor that’d be too easy as the Car Park (where I started from) is about 20 mins from the summit! I set myself a challenge, as I had an interesting loop I fancied doing, taking in a good few miles, and some bit’s I wanted to see with time that normally I just drive through.
So, I decided I’d take on Winnats Pass first, to take in it’s wonder, and see it slowly as opposed to being in a Car like usual where you can’t really soak it in. It really does look like a spectacular scenic setting as you walk down the start of the hill. However, before going down.
As I walked down, I was left amazed at Winnats Pass, to see how it looks carved into the hills around it (and from above, it looks like a hole gouged in the Derbyshire countryside!) It’s features look like something out of a movie scene and there are bits you can climb up on (with some skill) to get more great views! It’s worth mentioning that before Winnats Pass at the top, there is the Blue John Cavern which is an interesting visit!
Once I got to the bottom, about a mile further down the road is a place called Castleton, which is a really lovely town. I enjoy seeing the stone buildings and it really is quite picturesque and quaint. If you are doing a long walk like I was, it’s a lovely place to stop for a brew and to admire the town and it’s lovely surroundings. It really is in a special place with the hills surrounding it.
After a brew and refreshments (I was tempted by a pint in the Bulls Head beer garden, the weather was stunning!), I then ventured on the second half of my long walk, back into the hills and on to Mam Tor!
The Start of the Climb to Mam Tor!
At the end of Cross Street it takes a left turn, and from there you can head keep going straight on down Back St, it does soon end as a road and becomes more of a path, which you eventually find a gate, and that’s where you want to head, you’ll know it’s right as you’ll see the (very) rocky path ahead (good walking boots are recommended!).
The path ahead will be steep, and takes good energy in the legs, and also your breath so a few stops on the way up to admire the view is well worth it. I have asthma and I could feel my lungs getting a good test, but I enjoy pushing myself to keep my lungs in good order! You’ll find stony bits, and some bits with steps.
On the ridge, finally, now to the summit!
Most will take an immediate left turn straight on to Mam Tor, but there’s more to discover, there are two more hills you can enjoy to the right, and I did! I then went on to Mam Tor along the ridge path, and perhaps given the path to the right, I soon understood why most head direct for the big one, that has proper paving from the left turn!
At the point of staring the final climb to Mam Tor, I could feel the legs burning through the mileage so far, but also had lots of little stops to admire the paragliders buzzing about overhead, it made for quite a scene as you looked over Hope Valley! I powered on and finally hit that final peak,
I’d made it to the Trig point on Mam Tor, and to those spectacular views of Edale and Hope Valley, well worth the walk, I also got to see Winnats Pass from above, and you’ll see from the video below how it looks like a hole in the land
A long walk, and probably a long read, but when you’ve walked for miles, you have lots to write about! I’d recommend it, and of course, if it’s a cheat peak you want, tackle if from the Car Park, but what’s the fun in that eh!
