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  Castleton, Derbyshire. Sunday,31st March,2024.

'A' Walk - Leader-Alan Taylor. Dist-11.5 miles.Asc-2150'. Tough. Anticlockwise.

 Summary: Resisting the temptation to walk along the much vaunted Great Ridge, as we have done before, we

 

will take an equally challenging approach to today’s walk as we walk towards Mam Tor but then heading off along Rushup Edge instead and then on to Sparrowpit. We will be able to enjoy views from an even higher place – Lord’s Seat!!!

Details: Walking along the lower tracks and fields we will join the Old Mam Tor road near the disused Odin mine. A little higher up, the road is badly broken despite several repairs having been done over the years. Mam Tor is often called 'the Shivering Mountain' as its loose shale often causes landslides and damage to this road. After a series of intense landslides in 1912, 1933, 1946, 1952 and 1966; in 1979 a particularly bad slip caused the troubled Mam Tor road to close permanently.

We will easily negotiate the ‘broken road’ on our way up to Mam Nick (below Mam Tor) where we’ll cross over the road that travels over the hill and goes down the valley to Edale. Our direction is UP again as we climb to the top of Rushup Edge and to ‘Lord’s Seat’ - our highest point today at an elevation of 550mtrs (1804ft) above sea level and three miles into our walk. We’ll take a moment or two to enjoy the splendid views.... and catch our breath!!! Another three miles of predominantly down hill and pleasant walking follows which will get us to our lunch stop at Sparrowpit. This building used to be called ‘The Wanted’ – a very nice pub but now it is called ‘The Olive Tree’ – a farm shop, deli and an off licence where you can buy a bottle of beer etc. Oh!! and it is a local gift shop and café too!!!

Suitably rested and refreshed, we’ll enjoy another two miles of pleasant and slightly undulating tracks (and passing a smelly pig farm on the way!!!) until we get to the disused Eldon Hill Quarries. An energetic climb up alongside and beyond the vast open quarries ensues until we get to the next high point (though much lower than Lord’s Seat) along tracks formerly used by the quarry vehicles in days gone by. Turning off this track we head for the road which will take us down the atmospheric Winnats Pass as far as Speedwell Cavern. Now rather than continuing with the road walking, we will turn off onto a path looping round to return to the quiet south-western side of Castleton (Goosehill) and then back to the coach in the big car park/visitor centre.

'B'  Walk - Leader-Maureen Dransfield.Dist-7.5 miles. Asc-1680'. Clockwise.

 This is an exhilarating route which includes one of the best ridge walks in the country, with superb views of the Edale and Hope valleys throughout the walk.  

 From the car park we turn off the main road and walk past the Castle Inn and the Youth Hostel, to join a stony path alongside a number of cottages. We continue to follow this path until we reach the road, which is  close to Speedwell Cavern. We cross the road and negotiate the first stile of the day to begin a gentle climb to Treak Cliff Cavern where we take the steps behind the cavern and follow a narrow path leading to the well known Blue John Cavern.  A final stretch over fields and a minor road leads to the start of the stepped path to the summit of Mam Tor.

Once at the summit we will stop to catch our breath and take in the views before finding a convenient place to have lunch. Our next landmark is Hollins Cross as we head for the craggy top of Back Tor and the summit of Lose Hill.

Climbing completed we begin the final leg of the walk with a descent firstly to Losehill Farm and then on to Springhouse Farm, before continuing to the Training and Conference Centre. A final stretch past the cemetery takes us back to the starting point in Castleton where there are various options for well-deserved refreshments after a challenging but rewarding day.

A walking pole is strongly recommended for this walk. Strenuous sections along the way but under 8 miles to compensate.

  'C' Walk - Leader-Jane Taylor. Dist-5.1 miles. Asc- 315'. Easy. Anti clockwise. 

 The walk today is a circular walk from Castleton to Hope with magnificent views throughout the walk. There are a small number of unavoidable stiles but none are difficult and shouldn’t deter anyone from doing this lovely, rewarding flattish walk.

 We start with refreshments at the Blueberry cafe at the visitors centre before heading eastwards out of the village walking beside Peakshole Water- a very pleasant babbling brook, and passing the smallest reservoir I’ve ever seen. There are fine views of the iconic cement works against the backdrop of the beautiful Hope Valley, with Lose Hill and Win Hill to the left and Mam Tor behind.

 Taking care over the railway crossing we continue onto Pindale Road taking a left towards Hope and the main Castleton Road. We now take the path north by the River Noe, stopping for lunch at Killhill bridge. Replenished, we cross the railway again, this time over a bouncy Catenary bridge which has a warning of 20 persons maximum!. The path now skirts Lose Hill back towards Castleton with views of Winnats Pass, Mam Tor and Cave Dale.

 We take a sharp right before reaching Castleton towards Dunscar Farm and are rewarded with a lovely view of Pervril Castle and the infamous “Devils Arse” (pardon my language) before heading back to the village for a well earned drink.

 

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