Trail Running Planet · Peak District · Hope Valley
Mam Tor and the Great Ridge
You run the entire Great Ridge end to end, a paved skyline with the Hope and Edale valleys falling away on either side, then loop through Castleton beneath the caves and old road.
Distance
12.6 km
Ascent
502 m
Descent
503 m
Max elevation
517 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
2h 50m – 3h 50m
Grade
Hard
Navigation
straightforward
Parking
S33 8WA
Dogs
Welcome
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn, winter
About this route
A 12.6km loop over Mam Tor and the length of the Great Ridge to Lose Hill, dropping to Castleton and back, with 502m of climbing. The most famous ridgeline in the Peak District in one compact circuit.
Hazards & notes
The Great Ridge is fully exposed, and the paved sections turn slick and treacherous when wet or frosty. Mam Tor's flanks are eroded and steep, and the ridge catches strong crosswinds, so carry a windproof layer even in summer.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/peak-district/hope-valley/mam-tor-great-ridge
trailrunningplanet.com