Castleton to Hope via Cave Dale and

1 Walk summary

Length: 11.5 km, 7.5 miles Maps: OS Explorer OL1 The - Area, OS Landranger 110 Sheffield and Huddersfield Approximate timing: 3hrs 45 mins Ascent: 510 metres Descent: 530 metres Maximum altitude: 517 metres

2 Sketch map of walk

3 Description

1. The walk starts at (A) the bus terminus in Castleton (on bus routes 272) GR – SK153830. Walk along the road towards the centre of Castleton. The road turns sharply to the left and then bears right. Do not bear right but continue up the hill past The Nag’s Head. You may see above the houses ahead.

1 2. You pass a grass triangle on the right, the Market Square, and the road bends left. On the left, look for the sign to Cave Dale on the road – SK151827 and turn into the rather dark lane between cottages to the entrance to the dale.

3. Walk up the dale. The footpath may be a stream and, as the rock is limestone, it can be slippery so take due care. Enjoy the rock formations and when you near the top look back towards Peveril Castle and the view of (third and fourth photos below).

4. The path passes through a gateway and the dale gradually becomes less steep and bears right. After a while the path goes through two gates, the second one at (D) GR – SK139816. The track bears left here. There are two tracks visible here – one bears left up the hill and the other follows the wall round to the left. They both end in the same place!

5. The path reaches (C) GR – SK135813. A track crosses the path which continues as the Limestone Way. There are gates and stiles here. The route turns right on to the track at this point. It does not continue on the Limestone Way. In a short distance (GR – SK133813) the track divides with one branch going right towards Mam Tor in the distance. This is the way to go.

2 The track passes a farm and, occasionally occupied, campground on the right and continues towards Mam Tor.

6. At (D) GR – SK127827 you cross a road and take the path across the aptly named Windy Knoll. The ridge from Mam Tor to Lose Hill is now clearly visible (weather depending!).

7. Cross another road and then take the path up Mam Tor (E) GR – SK125835.

The path up to and over Mam Tor is maintained by the National Trust. You may feel that it is too like a staircase but the numbers of people using this path means that erosion can be a serious problem. The work done is intended to prevent this. You can help by sticking to the path! 8. The path now follows the ridge with good views to the left () and right (Hope Valley). You pass at GR – SK136845.

Back Tor is rocky but going up is reasonable with the work that has been done on the path. Take care if there is ice.

3 After some undulation you reach the top of Lose Hill, (F) GR – SK153854, with its trig point and viewfinder.

9. The route now descends Lose Hill into Hope. Take the main path ahead that bears slightly to the right and descends quite steeply. Aim for a stile followed by a second stile – the ground between them is usually quite boggy. If you do miss this turn and follow the wrong ridge down you just have a bit of a walk along Edale Road into Hope.

Turn left down the hill after the second stile.

The path comes down towards some farm buildings and a sign posted gate. Follow the sign for Edale-Hope – do not go through the gate. Shortly afterwards turn right and cross the stile signposted for Hope.

10. Continue along the path – yellow paint has been daubed at various places to point the way.

4 When you come to a gate (often open) and stile, cross the stile but do not go through the metal gate on the left. The path is to the right of the wall.

Shortly afterwards the path crosses a stile and small plank bridge across a stream.

11. Continue down the path, which is both narrow and very muddy. Enjoy the views of the ridge behind you.

The path passes through some houses and then crosses a bridge over a railway – this is a branch line from the cement factory in Hope.

12. The path continues into Hope, passing farm buildings and some free range chickens. When you reach houses and Hope School cross the road and look for the Public Footpath sign by Eccles Court. Follow the gennel onto the main road and turn left for the bus stop at Hope post office. (G) GR – SK172835. If you have time, you can take the road to Pindale just opposite. Immediately after the bridge there is a way down to the river where you can rinse off your boots!

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