Mam Tor is a 517-metre hill located near Castleton in the High Peak area of Derbyshire, within the Peak District National Park. This guide covers parking, walking routes, accessibility, and practical visitor information.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access | Open 24 hours, year-round |
| Admission | Free (parking charges apply) |
| Address | Mam Nick, Rushup Edge, Castleton, Derbyshire S33 8WA |
| Nearest transport | Hope Railway Station (3 miles)<br>Edale Railway Station (2 miles) |
| Typical visit duration | 1 to 3 hours (depending on route) |
Mam Tor access and opening hours
Mam Tor is accessible 24 hours a day throughout the year. As a hill within the Peak District National Park, there are no gates or restricted access times. The main footpath from Mam Nick car park to the summit is a stone-surfaced path that can be used in all weather conditions, though sections may become slippery after rain.
Mam Tor admission
Entry to Mam Tor is free. There are no admission charges to walk on the hill or use the footpaths. Parking charges apply at Mam Nick car park (see parking section below).
Access and parking information were checked on the National Trust website and last updated in February 2026.
Parking at Mam Tor
The main car park is Mam Nick car park, located approximately half a mile from the summit. The car park is managed by the National Trust. National Trust members and Blue Badge holders park for free. For all other visitors, parking costs £4.50 for up to 4 hours and £6 for over 4 hours. Payment is by PayByPhone app only; no cash or card payment facilities are available on site.
The car park is small and fills quickly, particularly at weekends, bank holidays, and during school holidays. The National Trust recommends arriving before 09:00 during peak periods. Alternative roadside parking is available along Old Mam Tor Road near Blue John Cavern, though these spaces also fill quickly.
How to get to Mam Tor
Mam Tor is located on Rushup Edge, approximately 2 miles west of Castleton village. By car, follow the A6187 from Castleton towards Chapel-en-le-Frith, then turn onto the road signposted for Mam Nick and Edale. The car park is clearly visible from the road.
The nearest railway stations are Hope (3 miles) and Edale (2 miles), both on the Manchester to Sheffield line. From Hope or Edale stations, Mam Tor can be reached on foot via marked footpaths, though these routes involve several miles of walking and are suitable for experienced walkers only. Bus services to Castleton operate from Sheffield and other nearby towns, but onward transport to Mam Nick car park requires walking or taxi.
How long to spend at Mam Tor
A direct walk from Mam Nick car park to the summit and back takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The ascent involves climbing stone steps and takes 20 to 30 minutes. Most visitors spend additional time at the summit viewing point.
Longer circular routes incorporating the Great Ridge walk to Lose Hill or routes via Castleton village take 2 to 5 hours. The full circular walk from Castleton via Cave Dale, Mam Tor, and the Great Ridge takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Accessibility at Mam Tor
The main path from Mam Nick car park to the summit is not wheelchair accessible. The route involves climbing approximately 200 stone steps. The initial section from the car park follows a short woodland path before reaching the stepped ascent.
A section of the old A625 road below Mam Tor, known as the Mam Tor Landslip trail, provides a relatively flat, surfaced route suitable for wheelchair users. This trail is accessed from a turning circle near Treak Cliff Cavern on the A6187. The route is approximately 300 metres long and provides views of the landslip area, though not summit views.
What to see at Mam Tor
The summit of Mam Tor is 517 metres above sea level and provides views across the Edale Valley, Hope Valley, Kinder Scout, and the Derwent Moors. A topographic viewpoint indicator is located at the summit. The summit plateau is relatively flat and is used by paragliders in suitable conditions.
The hill is crowned by the remains of a late Bronze Age and early Iron Age hillfort. The defensive rampart, ditch, and counterscarp bank enclosing approximately 6.5 hectares are visible, though partially damaged by landslips on the eastern side. Two Bronze Age burial barrows are located on the summit, though one is now buried beneath paving. Over 100 levelled platforms where timber roundhouses once stood can be identified on the hillside. The hillfort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument managed by the National Trust and Historic England. Radiocarbon analysis suggests occupation from around 1200 BC.
Mam Tor is known as the Shivering Mountain due to frequent landslips on its eastern face, caused by unstable shale layers beneath sandstone. The old A625 road, which was repeatedly repaired between the 1820s and 1977, was permanently closed in 1979 after continued landslip damage. The broken road surface, with layers of tarmac up to 2 metres thick in places, is now a visitor attraction in its own right.
The Great Ridge extends westward from Mam Tor to Lose Hill, passing through Hollins Cross. This ridge walk is approximately 3 kilometres long and follows a well-maintained flagstone path. Hollins Cross marks the traditional route between Edale and Castleton where coffins were once carried from Edale to Hope Church before a church was built in Edale.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Timing | Arrive before 09:00 at weekends and bank holidays to secure parking. Weekday mornings are quieter. |
| Weather | The summit is exposed and can be windy. Bring warm, waterproof layers even in summer. |
| Footwear | Wear walking boots with good grip. Stone steps and paths can be slippery when wet. |
| Facilities | No toilets or refreshment facilities at Mam Nick car park. Nearest facilities are in Castleton village (2 miles). |
| Dogs | Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leads due to grazing livestock. Several stiles on longer routes may be difficult for large dogs. |
Frequently asked questions about Mam Tor
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Mam Tor suitable for children? | Yes. The main route from Mam Nick car park is suitable for children who can manage steep steps. Supervision is required near cliff edges. |
| Do you need to book in advance for Mam Tor? | No. Access is free and no booking is required. |
| Is Mam Tor open on Sundays? | Yes. Mam Tor is accessible every day of the year. |
| How difficult is the walk to Mam Tor summit? | The walk from Mam Nick car park is rated moderate. It involves climbing approximately 200 stone steps over 20 to 30 minutes. |
| Can you visit Mam Tor in winter? | Yes. The hill is accessible year-round, though paths may be icy in winter and visibility may be reduced in poor weather. |
Things to do near Mam Tor
Treak Cliff Cavern is located on Buxton Road, approximately 1 mile from Mam Nick car park. The cavern features stalactites, stalagmites, and Blue John stone deposits. Self-guided audio tours take approximately 45 minutes. The cavern is open daily except Christmas Day. Free parking is available on site.
Blue John Cavern is located on the old Mam Tor road near Treak Cliff Cavern. The cavern descends via steps to chambers containing Blue John veins and natural formations. Guided tours are available.
Peveril Castle is located on Castle Hill in Castleton, approximately 2 miles from Mam Tor. The Norman castle dates from 1080 and occupies a clifftop position above Cave Dale. The site is managed by English Heritage.
Speedwell Cavern is located at the foot of Winnats Pass in Castleton. Visitors descend steps to an underground canal created by 18th-century lead miners. Boat trips operate through the flooded mine workings to a natural chamber. The cavern is open daily year-round.
More East Midlands travel
Other East Midlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 9 reasons to visit Nottingham.
- First time visitor’s guide to the City of Caves in Nottingham.
- The extraordinary sacrifices of the Eyam plague village.
- Planning a visit to the Cromford Mills in Derbyshire.
- A practical guide to visiting Ashby-de-la-Zouch Castle.
