The Mam Tor Circular Walk

Visiting the Peak District? Take the iconic Mam Tor Circular Walk and bask in its amazing scenery – from scenic moors to incredible valleys. This walk, developed in collaboration with Walks Around Britain, is great for a family day-out and begins and ends at Edale train station. Though the climb may be challenging, those who reach the peak of Mam Tor will be rewarded with spectacular views!

The Mam Tor Circular Walk Details:

• Walking distance – 4 miles / 6.4 km
• Minimum time – 3 hours
• Grade – Medium – Some uneven paths and challenging climbs
• Map – OS Landranger 119 / Explorer OL24
• Dog walk friendliness – Must be kept on leads
• Nearest train station – Edale train station

On mobile? Download the condensed Mam Tor Circular Walk PDF guide below.

Download the Mam Tour walking guide (PDF)

This walk has been designed by Walks Around Britain writer and presenter Andrew White.

Mam Tor Walking / Hiking Route Details

Step 1

From Edale train station, follow the signs out of the station and follow the road past the National Trust café, and to the junction with the main road. Turn right here and walk along the road for a while – taking care with possible traffic.

Step 2

After a short while, a road branches off on the left, marked with a National Trust sign for Hardenclough Farm. Walk along this road for just over half a mile, as it bends and snakes closer to Mam Tor - the big hill in the distance ahead.

Step 3

When the gate of the house comes into view ahead, go through the gate to your left – remembering to always leave all gates as you found them. The wooden sign shows you the way to Mam Tor – along the footpath on the right. Go through the next gate and follow the path.

Step 4

Here’s where the Mam Tor walk starts to get challenging, as it begins the climb up to Mam Tor. It’s also difficult in places because of erosion – and the path bumpy and uneven at times. Take care and remember to stop whenever you need to for a rest and a drink.

Step 5

Go through another gate, and just as the road joins you on the right with a tight bend, take the tighter hairpin bend of the footpath around to the left – and continue to climb to the top of Mam Tor.

Step 6

 For a while, the path is open on the left side, so take care here, but soon there’s a fence on the left. When this path stops climbing, there’s an amazing view straight ahead of Hollins Cross and down to Lose Hill – but if you want to get to the summit of Mam Tor, turn right first, and follow the well-laid slab path to the top.

Step 7

Once at the summit of Mam Tor – marked with an Ordnance Survey trig post - you’ve got some fantastic views all around the part of the Peak District – known as the Dark Peak, and when you’re done, retrace your steps down the slab path to a gate. Go through the gate and walk along the ridgeway path to Hollins Cross.

Step 8

Hollins Cross is marked by a circular stone memorial and has some equally stunning views. When you’re ready to head off, with the wire fence and gate behind you, take the left-hand path down the side of Mam Tor. Once again, this path is challenging and uneven – but this isn’t a race… take your time and be safe.

Step 9

At the fork in the paths, take the right-hand track, taking care around the rocks and uneven ground. The path eventually reaches a small gate in a stone wall – go through the gate and across the field, following the obvious path.

Step 10

After passing a farm, the path goes over the River Noe, and climbs a bit to reach a small kissing gate in the wall. The gate opens out to the road, so watch out for traffic as you go through it. Turn left and walk carefully along the road and back to Edale train station. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Mam Tor Circular walk!

We hope you enjoyed the Mam Tor Circular Walk! Looking for more walks or hikes in the Peak District? See them here.