Saturday 14th September 2024 – Castleon to Edale over Mam Tor peak (5 miles/3 hours)

We got up shortly after 6am and were off on the hike for 7.30am without breakfast, well just satsumas and a cup of tea, preparing for the journey ahead.

Day 6 Castleton to Edale

It was a nice gentle climb to Hollins Cross, passing a few dog walkers.

Winnats Pass and Mam Tor in the distance
On the way to Hollins Cross
View from Hollins Cross into Hope Valley

Once there, it was straight along the well-worn track on the ridge to ascend Mam Tor with streams of people in both directions as we arrive at the summit for 9am and spectacular views into the valleys.

At the summit of Mam Tor
View from Mam Tor into Edale Valley
View from Mam Tor into Hope Valley

The descent was a little tricky to get bearings on Mam Nick, the shoulder of the Tor, in a position like the Nick of Pendle as a saddle. But we found it via the bus stop and of course once on the right path, it’s much faster going down. We pass a couple scouring a large area of the field opposite looking for something valuable.

Once on the level, we came across a spanish couple who are a bit lost without mobile reception and trying to find the route up, so we give a few tips and fortunately, reception returns.

View into the western side of Edale Valley
View looking back up to Mam Tor

There was plenty of birdsong along the path:

Birdsong in Edale
Hawthorne tree on the way down

We miss getting into the final chapel for a confirmatory stamp at Edale Methodist church and spend the last hour waiting at the cafe at the station.

Final checkpoint of the Peak Wesley Way

Finally, the train arrives on the station and we asked the guard if it was fine to take an earlier connecting train than our ticket said (one hour earlier). This was OK’d, which gave us time to relax longer in Sheffield sitting on the chairs near Upper Crust and just watching the happenings on the approach concourse outside.

So overall, although the route looks pretty daunting to from Castleton to Edale for a midday train, it is possible with an early start, some good weather and no wrong turns with navigation.